8th Annual Tom Gialde Memorial Bocce Tournament

(Article submitted by John Liberto)

The 8th Annual Tom Gialde Memorial Bocce Tournament benefiting Boy Scouts of America Troop 80 was held at the American Sons of Columbus on August 12-14, 2022 in Kansas City, MO. The tournament field included 24 Men’s and Women’s teams boasting players from Columbia (MO), St. Louis, Herrin (IL), Murphysboro (IL) and Dallas (TX). The tournament format began with round-robin play followed by a double-elimination knockout round. On Friday evening, players competed in a “Closest to the Pallino” contest where they had to roll their ball closest to the pallino located on the red dot, without touching. Kansas City player Chris Cardello won the event with a distance of ¼ inch.  

On Saturday, players were treated to a KC Style BBQ Dinner after round robin play. Tournament Director John Liberto presented Troop 80 Scout Master Sam Valenti with a donation to assist with essential Troop functions. All scouts in Troop 80 live under the poverty line, and the American Sons of Columbus proudly supports Sam’s mission to provide a high-quality experience to the youth he serves. Contributions from the Gialde bocce tournaments to Troop 80 nears $20,000. On Sunday, play resumed with the knockout round.

The winners of the Ladies division were Team Playmates from St. Louis: Paola Della Croce, Susan Zona, Julie Belfi-Sanna, Gayle Morris

 The winners of the Men’s Division were Team Volorama from St. Louis: Rich Robertson, John Denando, Joe Grippi, David R. Zona

Thank you to the players and sponsors that make this tournament successful. We look forward to seeing you at the 9th Annual Tom Gialde Memorial Bocce Tournament in Kansas City, MO on August 11-13, 2023!