Announcement

Longtime resident looks to start bocce ball league in Ocean Pines

Monday, December 23, 2024

(Dec. 23, 2024) For Michael Galello, a 24-year resident of Ocean Pines, bocce ball is more than a game – it’s a lifelong passion rooted in family and community.

Now semi-retired, Galello is channeling that passion into an exciting new venture: creating a bocce ball league for the Ocean Pines community.

“This is something I grew up with,” Galello said. “It was a neighborhood activity, and it has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I think it is part of the European culture, just like other sports are for other cultures.”

Galello’s love for bocce ball began as a child in northern New Jersey, playing with his uncle Tony and other members of his local Italian American Club.

He also recalled visiting Italy with his wife in 2005 and 2023 and being amazed by late-night bocce games in Rome.

“You would see people playing at 1 or 2 a.m.,” he said. “It’s a game that brings people together.”

In Ocean Pines, there are two bocce ball courts – one at White Horse Park and another at the Yacht Club. The Yacht Club court, with its carpeted surface and recent upgrades by Ocean Pines Public Works, is Galello’s preferred spot.

“The lights were just installed at the Yacht Club by Public Works, and they’re perfect for bocce,” he said. “They’re positioned low to reduce overhead shadowing, which is how courts in Europe are designed. Public Works also moved the existing scoreboard to a safer location, making the area much more player-friendly.”

While the White Horse Park court has its charm with an ash surface, Galello said the Yacht Club offers additional advantages.

“You can grab a glass of wine, something to eat, and enjoy the ambiance while playing,” he said. “Plus, the lighting makes it more functional for evening play while listening to a band during the summer season.”

Galello envisions the league as a casual, social activity rather than a highly competitive sport.

“It’s not about physicality or endurance. It’s about strategy, skill, and having fun,” he said. “You can play with teams of up to two or four people, or individually. It’s easy to pick up and can be enjoyed at any age.”

“I’ve seen people watching us play, asking questions, and showing interest,” Galello continued. “I thought, this is a great opportunity for the community. It’s perfect for people who may have graduated from more physically demanding sports but still want to stay active and engaged.”

Galello has already had preliminary discussions with Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue and received support from General Manager John Viola.

The next step, he said, is to host a community meeting to gauge interest.

“This will be a chance for people to learn more about bocce, ask questions, and get involved,” Galello said.

The meeting’s time, date, and location are still being finalized, but Galello invites anyone interested to reach out to him for more information at [email protected].

“This is a game for everyone,” he said. “It’s fun, strategic, and social – and I think it’s something the Ocean Pines community will really enjoy!”

Announcement

Longtime resident looks to start bocce ball league in Ocean Pines

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