Seneca College set to open international Bocce competition

February 10, 2015 · 0 Comments

Seneca King Campus Principal Tina DiSimone, Tournament Chair Susan La Rosa, Seneca President David Agnew, Tournament Vice-Chair Jason Polsinelli, YCDSB Chair Elizabeth Crowe, YCDSB Director of Education Patricia Preston, Special Olympics Ontario CEO Glenn MacDonell, and Youth Bocce President Lee Prioriello.

By Jake Courtepatte
The hosting organizations of the 2015 International Special Olympics Bocce Tournament announced on Friday that York Region will host the tournament at Seneca’s King Campus this spring.
“I am overjoyed for the upcoming tournament,” said Lee Prioriello, president of Youth Bocce Canada. “We’ve gone a long way since 1994 when this organization was founded.”
Taking place from April 30 to May 2, this year’s tournament will feature 24 teams representing eight different countries from both North America and Europe. Over 200 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and sponsors will be descending upon Seneca’s picturesque King Campus for some fierce but friendly competition.
“Being part of events like this one that bring our communities together is important to Seneca, and we’re delighted to be hosting the tournament for a second time at our beautiful King Campus,” said Seneca College president David Agnew.
The campus first hosted the tournament in 2010.
Among the host sponsors is also the York District Catholic School Board, as Agnew says the event is not only special for the college but for the region as a whole.
“For us, it brings together all sorts of things in one place, including the value of community.”
The YDCSB has been a partner in the tournament since its inception. Board chair Elizabeth Crowe remembers the first tournament held at the college five years ago.
“I remember the energy and the enthusiasm of all the participants – the sportsmanship, the comradery, and how they cheered for each other and other teams.”
“I am thrilled that we’re back in York Region and that this has become a reality.”
York Region has a history of success in the tournament, as Markham’s St. Brother Andre High School took home the gold medal on home soil in 2010.
“This tournament will be the centrepiece of all the achievements of youth Bocce,” said Prioriello. “I can just imagine the excitement the participants will experience when they are here.”
According to Special Olympics CEO Glenn MacDonell, there were approximately 699 Bocce players in Ontario when the first tournament was held five years ago.
Since that time, that number has grown to over 3,000.
“It’s truly a great sport on so many levels. The great thing about it is that it can be played by just about everybody.”
Agnew and his team look forward to introducing such a diverse and upstanding group of people to the King community.
“The world will be coming to York Region. I can guarantee that we’ll put on a great show, and let me just say ‘mi casa es su casa.”