First bocce tournament deemed a success
Sep. 27—HUDSON — On Saturday, Sept. 24, six teams competed in the first Hudson Redwood Park Bocce Tournament. They enjoyed fine weather and camaraderie. At one point, there were over 60 people in attendance. The bocce court is located adjacent to the dog walking trail that leads to the dog park, so furry friends were in abundance, as well.
The bocce court was built as an Eagle Scout Project in 2019, under the supervision of Hudson Recreation Director Chuck Raby. The court was in limbo during the COVID-19 shutdowns and only began to be played on this spring.
Tournament Coordinator Keith Smith said the event had the support of many affiliated with the town of Hudson and the neighboring town of Valdese.
"Chuck Raby was supportive of this event, as was Town Manager Jonathan Greer," said Smith. "The Hudson Public Works Department assisted in the set-up. Perhaps most influential was the Hudson Community Development Association (HCDA), who financially supported the tournament, providing regulation bocce balls and T-shirts for the participants, along with other amenities. Our friends and neighbors in Valdese brought their equipment and expertise to assist in preparation of the court. We value our relationship with them."
The winning team consisted of Keith Smith, William Cogdell, Tim Boone, and Robert Marshall. Smith hopes the tournament becomes an annual event and that more people learn of bocce and have fun playing it.
"I first played in Valdese back in 1978," Smith said. "The Waldenses brought the sport to this area when they founded the town of Valdese in 1893."
Bocce is a lawn bowling sport with characteristics of bowling, golf, pool, shuffleboard, and curling, among other sports. Anyone can play and it is not required that one is an athlete.
For more information, call Keith Smith at Hudson Town Hall at 828-728-8272.
