Boxing gloves meet bocce balls at Oakland benefit event

In a cross-cultural night of charity, an old Italian tradition mingled with an Uptown Oakland vibe to benefit urban youth.

For one evening, locals could play a game of bocce ball to support the East Oakland Boxing Association. In a distinctive partnership, Uptown’s Make Westing bar held a 12-team bocce ball tournament fundraiser for EOBA.

The East Oakland Boxing Association is a non-profit, community based organization that has provided education, enrichment and health programs for youth since 1987. The EOBA focuses on providing programs that are engaging and fun for children and young adults ages 5 – 20. The benefit match raised $3,304 for the kids Thursday, Nov. 21.

Popular in Mediterranean countries and among immigrant communities in the Bay Area, bocce is a game in which players throw or bowl brass or plastic balls down a rectangular court to knock aside rival balls.

The boxing association’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which youth can feel secure as they achieve success in school, learn life skills, and build self-esteem. Year-round programs offered at the EOBA include academics, gardening, physical education, and youth leadership.

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Originally posted on https://oaklandnorth.net/2013/11/22/bocceball/