SIDNEY — The 2017 Carstar Bocce Grand Prix of Sidney will be a single-day tournament in conjunction with the Great Downtown BBQfest. The combined event will be in downtown Sidney, July 22.
In addition to bragging rights, the prize for the team finishing in first place will be a trophy and a cash prize of $1,500. The second-place team will receive $750. The third-place team will receive $400. All entrants will receive participation medals.
Entry forms are available at the offices of Sidney Alive and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Forms are also available at Sidney Body Carstar, Best One Tire, Sidney City Hall and Lev’s Brew House.
Competition will be on the south lawn of the courtsquare and will begin at 9 a.m. Finals will begin at 1:30 p.m.
The entry fee is $120. Teams must have their own bocce balls.
Bocce is the world’s third-most popular participation sport (after soccer and golf). “Bocce is an easy game that anyone can learn to play. Bocce can be played on any size court, and can even be played at the beach,” said organizer Cavin Risk. “Even teams that lack experience may wish to consider playing, given the size of the prizes. Cornhole players and bowlers are naturals at bocce. To enter a team, you need a minimum of two and a maximum of four players.”
“While I was in college, I had the opportunity to see bocce being played in every city and village in Italy,”Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst said. “I found it to be an intriguing game, and believe that the tournament held here has the possibility of becoming an event that will attract visitors to our community.”
Sidney Alive Director Amy Breinich agreed.
“The tournament not only attracts local residents to our beautiful downtown, but a number of visitors also get a taste of what our wonderful community has to offer. We’re excited to partner with the Sidney Bocce League to bring another quality event to Sidney,” she said.
The tournament is structured to have pool play in the morning to determine the seeding for the afternoon’s single elimination tournament. For information about the tournament, call 498-4725.
