The national anthem and alma mater are sung and now it is time to compete like all other Piaa sports. It’s Unified Bocce ball and it is one of the fastest growing sports in high schools..
Kristan Carey, Abington Heights Bocce coach says, ” We have a mixed team that is unified we have students that a typical students and then those with disabilities that play on our team.
Heather Schreiner, Special Olympics Regional Director added , “The whole school engagement atmosphere of unified sports there has been a decrease is bullying and just an increase in inclusivity across the realm so people are becoming friends with each other who wouldn’t normally become friends “
There are over 200 Pennsylvania high school schools now involved in unified Bocce and the students love the game.
Madelyn Pardue, Abington Heights Senior says ,” I just love being able to with these students and be able to have them in a sport that not everyone can be in and I want to study special education when I go to school so this is a great opportunity. “
Matthew Tokash, Abington Heights Senior added, “ I like playing Bocce to be with my friends and I think it is a fun sport to play. I have played a lot before because it is interesting and a lot of fun we get to compete against different schools. “
Charlie Treppeda, Wallenpaupack Freshman says, “ I like to play Bocce,
Bob asks, “ Tell me about the game ?”
Charlie responds, “ You throw the bocce like this on the Bocce courts and I throw the Ballina like this. “
At this match Abington heights and Wallenpaupack both had siblings that compete.
Brynn Carey, Abington Heights Senior says, “ It is awesome, growing up we were never able to compete on the same teams so being able to have this opportunity is awesome. “
Bob ide asks, “ What is it like playing with your sister ?
Norah Carey, Abington Heights Senior answers, “ My sister and I play in separate groups and I like playing with my friends all of the time.
Treppeda added , “ We use to play Bocce when we were little so we had a bocce court in our back yard at our old house so now that they brought it to the school we thought it was pretty cool so we decided to do it together and it has been really fun. “
Bob ide asks, How has it changed Charlie. ?
Samantha Treppeda, Wallenpaupack Sophomore says,” He has really never done a sport, sport before but this is something that is like to much running and moving but he is like and he still enjoys it. “
Just like all of the other PIAA sports there is a state championship for Unified Bocce. It is held at the same time has the basketball finals in Hershey. If you think these athletes do not want to win, you are wrong. “
Bob asks, “ Is she competitive ?
Brynn responds, “ Oh very, She definitely want to win. But she love just doing it though.“
Bob asks, “do you like to win
Charlie answers, “ Yes!!!