Bocce, The Sport Of...Yuppies?

Bocce, The Sport Of...Yuppies?

METHUEN, Mass. (Wireless Flash) – Bocce has long been a sport practiced by hefty, aged Italian men like Tony Soprano, but now the sport is experiencing a renaissance with yuppies. Sports author Mario Pagnoni says in recent years the Italian lawn bowling game has rolled through social barriers and been embraced by hip, technology- minded yuppies. But why do yuppies dig bocce? Because they have complicated lives and bocce’s so simple anyone can do it – even a yuppie clutching an apple martini. However, Pagnoni admits that if the sport is to roll any further up the popularity charts, it needs to stray from the “no rules, no problem” American version and get “more standardized.” The author, who is currently in talks with publishers to re-release his out-of-print book The Joy of Bocce, says if ESPN takes note bocce will become the next great American pastime.

Thu 05-16-02