Tricia Leslie
Black Press
Several local seniors were behind the ball in Trail last weekend.
The bocce ball, that is.
Seven senior athletes – including four from South Surrey and two from White Rock – travelled to the Interior to participate in the BC Senior Games, which were held in Trail, Castlegar and Nelson.
“It was great – just a great experience for everyone,” said Audrey Bragagnolo, whose husband was among the competitors.
“Everyone enjoyed the competition. Everyone was in high spirits.
“All the organizers, all the volunteers – it couldn’t have gone better.”
And the competition went well, too.
“In every category the competition was challenging but friendly,” Bragagnolo said. She noted that competing in bocce is quite different from casual play in the park or at the beach.
“There’s quite a few rules… it’s actually quite complicated.”
Still, five of the seven athletes garnered medals: gold in Men’s Pairs (Zeff Baldonero and Lino Bragagnolo); silver in Women’s Pairs (Carol Adams and Arnalda Benetti) and bronze in Women’s Singles (Maria d’Astolfo).
“It’s quite an accomplishment. They’re all good players and should all be proud,” Bragagnolo said.