The titles are a two-day event and the president of Bocce Australia, Frank Funari, announced Kyabram as hosts of the prestigious event on July 29 and 30 earlier this week.
Kyabram Bocce Club will host Australia's best bocce-raffa players, the fast growing and spectator friendly version of the sport already established in the town.
Long-time bocce leaders Joe and Mary Greco have recently announced a community competition, using the coloured bowls, which adds an exciting touch to the sport.
Mr Funari said Kyabram Bocce Club, had made a remarkable effort to convert its bocce courts to Bocce-Raffa and establish a regular competition within their community.
As a result, Bocce Australia had chosen Kyabram to host the national championship, a testament to the dedication and success of Joe and Mary Greco — and their team.
“We believe that Kyabram is the perfect choice for this year's Bocce Australia Raffa Open Championship,” Mr Funari said.
“By showcasing the efforts and commitment of the Kyabram Bocce Club, we also provide an opportunity for the broader bocce community to experience the excitement of Bocce-Raffa.”
The championship will feature Men's Doubles and Women's Doubles competitions, with players from Sydney, Melbourne, regional NSW and Victoria converging on Kyabram.
They will be competing not only for the prize money, but also for the Australian title and the chance to qualify for the next international championships.
Kyabram residents and Australian and International champion bocce players Mary Greco and Tony Borrelli will be among the competitors at these championships.
With the advantage of playing on their home ground and in front of their supporter base, they are strong contenders for the top podium spots.
Antonio (Tony) Biancacci, secretary general of the CBI (Raffa World governing body) and vice-president of Bocce Australia, expressed his excitement, saying, “it is a great coup for the Kyabram bocce community to have their first National event hosted at the Club and for it to be the Bocce-Raffa Open”.
The event will be open for everyone to attend and experience the unique atmosphere of the Kyabram Bocce Club.
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