By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The weather was chilly for April and the north winds were blowing, over the Bocce Ball Courts at Sun City. But that didn’t keep the hardy folks from participating in the final Mesquite Senior Games Tournament for the Spring Season.
Bocce Ball has proven to be such a popular event that the tournament was extended this year beginning on Monday April 11 and running through Wednesday April 13.
After three days of competitive play, the closing ceremony of the tournament brought out Mesquite Mayor Al Litman, Mesquite Rec Center manager Zack Robison and the Veterans Center Honor Guard to participate.
A special announcement was made at the ceremony by MSG Director Amy Bradshaw. Bradshaw told the crowd that MSG is now the official manager of the Senior Bocce Program for the State of Nevada Senior Games. This was exciting news for the MSG organization and for the City of Mesquite.
“I see a future where all the Senior Games National Tournaments could be held here in Mesquite,” Robison said in a short speech after the announcement.
Robison said that he expects more competitors from other Nevada cities will come to Mesquite to compete in Bocce Ball for the State Title.
Litman talked about how proud he was of the MSG and the leadership coming from Bradshaw in making the local games a success.
Bradshaw also expressed enthusiasm about the tournament and the exciting announcement.
“Our bocce tournament was a truly incredible way to end our 2022 spring season,” she said. “Three days of packed bocce courts with some of our senior athletes competing all three days. Nothing but big smiles, handshakes and hugs as new friendships were forged while lovers of bocce from four states, aged 51 to 98, gathered to vie for the title of State of Nevada Senior Bocce Champion. In every way possible this tournament epitomized the true meaning of Mesquite Senior Games.”
Winning the medals and title of State Champions for 2-man teams on Monday were first place team The Chiefs, second place Dynamic Duo, third place Ball Blusters.
On Wednesday the first place medal went to The Legends, second place to Covert Opp’s, third place to Gay 90’s.
The 4-man team winners were: first place Relentless, second place 4-Chiefs, and third place, Sexy Seniors.
“I look forward to playing Bocce Ball,” participant John Maystadt said. “When I wake up, I think, is this Bocce Ball Day?”
Maystadt plays with the Sun City Bocce Ball Club.
His teammate Andy Souza, said, “Bocce Ball is good friendly, fun competition.”
Notable, are two oldest players Verla Ahrens at 98 and Rose Daniele, at 94. They won second place in the two-man team competition. It was inspiring to all.
“We are working with Sun City Bocce Ball, St George Bocce Club and the Huntsman Games Bocce directors for their input, to come up with a super new format with championship rounds for the Nevada Senior Bocce Champions for next season,” said Bradshaw. “Based on the popularity this year it will probably be a four-day, fun event.”
Everyone enjoyed scarfing down the 20 pizza’s that were brought in for lunch.
