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HERE IS A VIEW OF OUR NEW BOCCE FACILITY
Bocce USA is a not for profit indoor bocce playing and training facility located in the "NEW BEGINNINGS' Community Center (formally West Frankfort elementary School) in West Frankfort, Illinois. West Frankfort is located in the heart of “Little Egypt” along Interstate 57 approximately 60 miles north of the Kentucky border. BOCCE USA is a place where residents of Southern Illinois have the opportunity to play and enjoy the 7000 year old sport of bocce. There is NO charge for organized community play. At Bocce USA there two 10x60 playing surfaces with a special grind grit imported from Maryland that is dust free. The well lighted facility uses tournament type balls imported from Italy called "Perfetta's. The "Perfetta"brand is the "Rolls Royce" of balls. They are made in the small town of Berra, Italy that is near Bolonia. The two courts also have ball racks, hand towels, foul markers, and measuring equipment, score board, a referee’s wand and ample seating for players.
There is also a 100 amp stereo sound system with a five disc CD changer loaded with Italian musical CD’s. The system also has a wireless microphone system to accommodate the calling of on court play action over the public address system. The facility has ample seating for both players and spectators.
Bocce USA was a brainstorm of Bob Whitlow, a veteran of over fifty years playing the 7000 year old Italian game.
Today, BOCCE USA is home to the only indoor organized weekly bocce league in Illinois south of Chicago. BOCCE USA League play is on Monday nights at 6:00 PM from October thru April. BOCCE USA league players pay a small nightly league fee that is patterned similar to a bowling league. Teams earn points that determine their weekly league standings. Scheduled parties, a mid season inner league tournament,and an awards banquet is all part of the BOCCE USA league and bears no extra cost to the players. All players honor America each night of league play by assembling to their post at the sound of the bugle call.
Minutes thereafter they remain standing, addressing the American flag to the playing of our National Anthem. There is ONE rule for this occasion…if you don’t stand and address the flag at the playing the National Anthem ……you don’t qualify to participate in any of the activities at BOCCE USA. “Community Night” is scheduled for Tuesday’s at 6:00 PM. This night players of all ages and capabilities can match their bocce skills against one another in organized play. There is no charge to anyone to play on “community night. Although not mandatory, most participants donate one dollar each to the "snack fund" to enjoy " munchies" during evening play. BOCCE USA is available to schools, church groups, and civic organization by special appointment by calling 618-937-1668. For those new to bocce, basic preliminary group instructions are offered to individuals before any balls are rolled.Our local Human Service organization, Franklin Williamson Human Services, Incorporated uses BOCCE USA on a daily basis “free of charge”. Clients with Developmental Disabilities challenge each other to a game of bocce for bragging rites until their next visit. FWHS also use the courts to train and practice for the Illinois Special Olympic's bocce tournament held each summer and for their annual FWHS Corporation fundraiser/client tournament held each September.
The birth of BOCCE USA has been a blessing to many individuals in creating a year around activity of bocce competition and solicitation among citizens of all ages. Many players are former bowlers and are now at the age where bowling becomes more of a physical handicap than enjoyable entertainment. At BOCCE USA, they trade their sixteen pound bowling ball for a bocce that weighs just over two pounds. It it noteworthy to add that retired bowlers make very good bocce players.
The competition is fierce at BOCCE USA. No one is a professional, no one cheats, and no one gets mad if they lose. They just try their best to win the next match and get even. Remember…...."You don't have to be an Italian to Play"
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