The Bocceros Bocce team took first place at the Hollywood Cup Invitational Tournament held at Simon Meadown.
The Hollywood Cup, a bocce tournament was held in Simon Meadow on September 20. The competition was strong, but even stronger was the community feeling of togetherness and the ability to overcome. Palisades YMCA Board member Memo Macalpin founded the invitational tournament in 2024.
Local Girl Scout Troop 223 presented the colors, before X Factor Star, Jason Brock, sang the National Anthem. He then dedicated a song to the Pacific Palisades, singing a cappella “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which left many in tears.
As players warmed up, YMCA Board Chair Tracey Price, Senior Director of Pacific Palisades Recreation Center Jasmine Dowlatshahi and Palisades Bocce Club Founder Jimmy Dunne, spoke.
Price said, “An absolute miracle, Simon Meadow remains almost untouched by the Palisades Fire. We have loved and tended this land for over a decade, knowing generations of families make memories here at the YMCA.
“The Hollywood Cup and its partnership with YMCA proves an outstanding example of neighbors prevailing in a very positive way,” Price said. “I’m Grateful to Memo Macalpin, our YMCA Palisades Board, the Simon and Lowe Families, and every volunteer who makes these events possible.”
YMCA Palisades Executive Director, Jim Kirtley, spoke about Simon Meadow’s construction of its new community center that will include world-class bocce ball courts to serve youth and elevate bocce ball in the Palisades.
“Bocce ball and the Y align in so many ways; inclusivity, community, well-being and wholesome fun. Community partnerships like this one are a big part of what makes the Palisades the Palisades,” Kirtley said. “Thank you to Memo, to all the players and to those who support the Y and bocce. We’re already looking forward to the next one!”
Kirtley announced that newly planned bocce courts would be named the “Memo Macalpin Bocce Courts” at Simon Meadow of the Lowe Family YMCA.
Then it was time to “roll the balls.” Two pools of six teams competed in an all-day round-robin format. The top two teams of each pool advanced to the semi-finals.
In the bronze medal round, team Raffa and Roll claimed first in the history of the tournament by blanking its opponent, Rip Tide 12-0. Team members included Erica and Sebastian Varlotta, Dan Rodarte and Bentleigh and Dave Borgeson.
Keeping it in the family, Pat Borgeson was named the all-tournament cheerleader.
Taking third place in the bocce tournament were the Raffa and Roll.
In the Gold Medal Round, the game went back and forth in an exciting final between Roll Models and Bocceros. Team Roll Models included Bonnie and Michael Burgess, Julie Christensen, George Junger and Frank Catapano.
Bocceros, with Lili and Shahram Moghbel, Cindy Seiler, Fazzy Noori and Chuck Rapoport emerged victorious. They were led by All-tournament MVP Lili Moghbel and Finals MVP Fazzy Noori.
Tournament sponsors included “Flour Pizzeria & Cafe” owned by Palisidian, Robert Flutie; “Kismet” doggie treats owned by Chrissy Teigen and John Legend; “NUUDS” women’s clothing $300 gift bags, owned by Dary-Ann Denner; “Madd March” Lollapalooza merchandiser provided the souvenir, limited edition Pacific Palisades tournament t-shirts for everyone; BACHANS – Japanese BBQ sauce; DIVI – hair products owned by Dani and Jordan Austin; J Crew – specialty retailer providing clothing for male athletes; Cassidy Athletics, for supplying the bocce courts and; International DJ, Doug Knox. A neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous donated the set design and set up.
Mark your calendar. The tournament will return next year on September 19, with a new name The California Cup.