Norwin’s Unified Bocce team began their season on Dec. 17 against Hempfield and played again on Dec. 18 against Mt Pleasant to celebrate senior night. A ceremony was held before the game to acknowledge seniors Adam Guskiewicz, Travis Roe, and RJ Mahler.
Many students are aware of Norwin’s Unified Bocce team, but few are knowledgeable as to how the game works.
“Bocce is a straightforward game that anyone can enjoy!” said Coach Kristin Sweeney. “The goal for each team is to get the most bocce balls closest to the small target ball called the pallina.”
Games are played to 16 or until the 30-minute time limit elapses. Whichever team gets their bocce ball closest to the pallina is awarded points based on how many are closest. For example, if Mt Pleasant’s ball was 2 feet away from the pallina and Norwin had two balls closer than 2 feet, Norwin would receive 2 points.
“Bocce is such a fun game to coach!” Sweeney said. “The matches are intense and competitive, but the students have a great time!”
Special Olympics Unified Sports has grown to include competition on scales ranging from local high schools all the way to the global stage. According to the Special Olympics website, the ultimate goal of Unified Sports is to “bring people together.”
“Special Olympics is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.”
Not only does Unified Bocce bring Norwin students together, but it also works with other school districts to create a sense of community, dedicated to enjoying friendly competition while fostering a healthy atmosphere for inclusion.
“My favorite part about playing bocce is being with people I love and being with my friends!” freshman Makenzie Klipa said.
The Knights’ record as of Jan. 31 sits at 9-7. However, winning or losing, the Norwin Unified Bocce team has so much fun when they compete which can be clearly seen when attending one of their games.
“I really enjoy trying to make the team win and making people happy,” said freshman Kaitlyn Cichowicz.
The Knights played their most recent match on Feb. 5 at Franklin Regional.
The schedule for the Bocce’s team upcoming games can be found on Norwin’s website– admission is free!
