33rd Annual Nick Barbieri Bocce Ball Tournament turns camaraderie into solidarity

Fotos: Adriana  Paparella.

A day of competition, friendship, and generosity marked the 33rd edition of the Annual Nick Barbieri Bocce Ball Tournament, held on August 12 at the LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre in Richmond Hill.

Organized by LiUNA Local 506, the tournament once again brought together workers, industry representatives, partners, sponsors, and community members to honor the memory of Nick Barbieri while supporting those most in need.

More than just a competition, the event turned into a true community celebration. Between bocce matches, camaraderie, and plenty of good cheer, participants and guests showed that team spirit can also be transformed into solidarity.

For Carmen Principato, Business Manager of LiUNA Local 506, the initiative carries a deeply personal meaning: “Nick was my friend and my co-worker. Every year, we host this tournament in his memory and to help those who need it most. Without our partners and participants, none of this would be possible.”

With teams on the court and an atmosphere fueled by enthusiasm, the competition often took a back seat to the spirit of camaraderie. When asked who the winner would be, Principato responded with humor that, given the turnout and the atmosphere, everyone was already a winner.

A community united by a cause

Joseph Mancinelli, LiUNA International Vice President and Canadian Director, also highlighted the importance of keeping this tradition alive: “It is wonderful to be back here again. This tournament brings together people from the industry and the community, allowing us to support vital institutions and organizations across Toronto and Ontario.”

Among the participants, Joana Marques, a member of a women’s team, emphasized her pride in taking part in an initiative with such a strong community impact: “We work for Local 506 and we love supporting everything they do for the community, for unity, and for union members. It’s important to be present and contribute to these initiatives.”

This year’s edition was also attended by representatives of the Ontario Government. David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, underscored the importance of collaboration between workers, employers, and industry partners: “When workers, employers, and industry partners work together, the whole community benefits. That is how we build a stronger Ontario.”

$200,000 for eight institutions

The highlight of the day came with the presentation of the donations. Eight institutions received $25,000 each, totaling $200,000 raised by the tournament.

The donations were awarded to the CIBPA Toronto Education Foundation, Cortellucci Hospice Vaughan, SickKids Foundation, William Osler Health System Foundation, Toronto Victim Services, Threads of Life, Daily Bread Food Bank, and the Down Syndrome Association of Toronto.

The presentation of the checks gave even greater meaning to the day, showing how an event built around sports and social gathering can generate a concrete impact in the lives of many people.

Throughout the day, Richmond Hill hosted reunions, competition, and celebration, but above all, solidarity. The memory of Nick Barbieri lives on through a tradition that, 33 years later, brings the community together and transforms friendship into help for those who need it most.

Francisco Pegado/MS

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