By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Since its grand opening last October, Charlestown’s outdoor bocce court has created quite a stir. A turnout of nearly 100 people at the opening and a Special Olympics tournament last November have left folks itching for April’s warmer weather.

“I think there is a lot of enthusiasm for the program and many people are looking forward to getting involved,” says Pat Winters, co-captain of the budding bocce program at Charlestown.

Since holding an initial interest meeting in November, Winters and Mary Loris, captain, have been brainstorming about teams, leagues, and tournaments that will start practicing this month. “The program is in the beginning stages right now, but by forming teams, hopefully it will grow,” Loris said in February.

Playing season
Chances of growth are good, considering nearly 50 people expressed interest at the meeting. As spring sets in, teams will begin playing and warming up for another season of bocce ball.

With a longer season this year, Loris hopes to initiate more tournaments. “September would be a nice month for a tournament because the weather is nice and we would have all summer to play and practice,” she says.

Loris also mentions the possibility of a residents vs. staff tournament and even one with Charlestown’s sister community, Oak Crest, which also participated in the Special Olympics event.

Although as of this writing no plans have been set, the amount of enthusiasm expressed so far ensures a successful season. “It will be a good turnout in the spring and summer,” says Sam Aiken, a long-time bocce player who attended the court opening last October and plans to join a team this spring.