Kelowna

Gio Bean: Euro 2012

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

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Viva Italia! Fans celebrated Italy's win over Germany at Gio Bean Espresso in Kelowna, on Thursday.

The event was held by the Order Sons of Italy Kelowna, a new lodge that just opened in the city this past January. It is the only lodge west of Winnipeg, the 31st Sons of Italy has been gathering members and fans to watch Italy play since Euro Cup started.

Terry Calligaro , the treasurer for the Order, says everyone comes to the games to support Italy and have a good time.

"The lodge, mainly supports our language, culture, community, fund-raising and our main focus is to bring our young families into the Order. Just like today, it's a relatively young crowd."

Calligaro says the owner of Gio Bean, Giovanni Lauretta, is a member of the Order in Kelowna and he was more than willing to have everyone watch the game at his coffee shop.

For Italy's last game, the Order held an event at the Bocce Club, and 80 people attended. For Thursday's game 90 people passed through the coffee house over the course of the game, and with Italy taking the win, Calligaro expects even more people will show up to watch the next match, on July 1 at Michael Brook Ranch.