The Bocce Trophy

In response to Sue's request for a photo of the Bocce trophy, please find a snapshot at left of the polished granite orb which is affixed to a black lacquered iron frame that is shaped to resemble a goose with antennae.

This magnificent piece of art was donated to the reunion as a door prize, but took on a whole new identity as a symbol of extraordinary athletic prowess demonstrated in the highly competitive arena of Bocce Bowls.

Alas, in the thrill of victory, I have forgotton the name given to the trophy... "DUMOC Memorial Bocce Trophy" or something like that. All I remember is that shortly after the presentation ceremony, Mike Canivet handed me a hand written certificate that read "Bruce Steele: DUMOC Bocce and Bullshit Champion". Whatever did he mean? Modesty forbade speculation! Sigh.

That's Gary in the background of the photo. He absolutely could have taken a far finer picture of the object d'art. But I snapped a few quick pics on my cell phone and I share one here-with. I have only the photos as memorabilia as taking the 10 kilo goose back to Regina was out of the question; it now rests in the DUMONT Museum, ready for the next "Dumont Bocce Champion" to be revealed and to lay claim to the honour and the goose.

As to the query from Steve (found in a comment attached to a post below) about the ambiguous sporting relationship between myself and Janet Davies (see Gary's action photo, below), I must say it is a complex one, and best described as follows. After we (Janet and me acting as a team, as seen in the photo) decimated all comers, my partner challenged me to a show down ... a contest of bowls ... Mano a Babe ... hobbit vs. athlete. A duel for ultimate supremacy and the undefeated crown.

Janet chose a local veteran competitor as her partner (the ty-dyed Mr. Epps seen in the aforementioned action photo), while my second was a Winnipeg based volunteer whose only experience with the game (and for that matter, with Dumont) had been through observation during the weekend. (I believe his name is Frank - my memory is dulled due to raging testosterone levels at the time of the competition.) Through the choice of partners, another level was added to the competition ... East vs. West... Congested, Polluted Urban environment vs. Pristine Prairie Expanse.

To cut to the chase, we flat-landers prevailed convincingly, and in recognition of my status as the day's only "unbeaten bowler", as well as my unbridled joy in said accomplishment, I was awarded the pictured trophy as Bocce champ and unparalleled narcissist on the Foreman Club pitch on that day. My most excellent opponent, Ms. Davies, displayed outstanding "sportspersonship" in presenting me the goose in a public ceremony. (cough) Somewhere, there is film.

And so, it came to pass that Michael's scribbled note, quoted above, truly does capture the spirit of the moment.

One takes life's victories where one can, insatiably and with gusto, I fear.

Quite seriously, many thanks to DUMOC for planning and holding a fine, upstanding event. We all got the tee-shirt!!!!

It was wonderful to see the family and relive the past without being maudlin about it. (Moving 25,000+ books took the edge off any possible "maudlin" feelings.)

Anyway, well done and thank you one and all. Three cheers!!!