The South Australian Bocce Federation pays tribute to the women of the Women’s Bocce Federation of South Australia, a group of immigrant women who with spirit and tenacity did themselves proud. They were well respected by the bocce community, and for many years were supported by sponsors who valued the manner in which they conducted themselves.
Women’s Bocce Federation of South Australia
In 1976 Gina Beltrame and Miranda Sella-Gianot founded the Women’s Bocce Federation of South Australia at the Fogolar Furlan Club. In 1977 they were joined by the Veneto Club, in 1978 by the Alabarda Club, in 1993 by the Sicilia Club and in 1995 by the Slovenian Club. In 1977 the Federation had 52 members.
The first committee in 1976 comprised of President Gina Beltrame, Secretary Edda Spizzo, Treasurer Rosina Radman, and Councillors Miranda Sella-Gianot and Stella Di Giusto.
The aim of the Federation was to exchange friendly games, ideas and information relating to the game of bocce; to play friendly tournaments; to follow rules and regulations; to encourage and exchange interstate games; to publicise reports and other activities that may seem appropriate to further the aims and objectives of the Federation.
The Federation was run in a very professional manner. There were proper minutes recorded of meetings, a treasurer’s report, and a constitution in English and Italian. Most of the document were keyed on a typewriter.
Competitions were sponsored by Fine World Travel, Joe Emanuel Group of Companies, Metropolitan Estate, Port Road Sports Store, Maglieri Winery, Bianco Builders Hardware and Blackwell Funerals to name a few. Once a year a dinner was held for the presentation of the trophies.
In 1979, at the National Men’s Championship in Western Australia, the South Australian women’s team brought home four trophies which were heavy making it difficult to board the plane.
In 1981, at the National titles in Melbourne, the women finished in top position in their classification.
In 1995 South Australia hosted the very first National Women’s Bocce Championship. The South Australian women succeeded in taking first place in the doubles and second place in the triples.
The Federation wound up due to the lack of members who were able to compete in competitions.