The bocce team began their season on Jan. 4 at the SFU Bocce Invitational. The team is split into Team White and Team Maroon, with Team White taking home a placement at the event.
The team’s first regular game of the season, originally meant to be held on Jan. 7 against Central, was rescheduled. They participated in a game on Jan. 14 against Hollidaysburg.
Coaches Amy and Jeff Savino have been with the bocce team for three years. They saw the sport as a chance to get students involved.
“We wanted more opportunities for inclusion for all levels of students,” Amy Savino said. “Our son inspires us daily to make a difference, not only for him, but for all kiddos struggling to be a part of something special with peers.”
Their son, junior Adam Savino, has been on the team since his freshman year. He serves as a motivation for his parents to continue making an impression on these students.
“We thoroughly enjoy all of our kiddos, and Adam is no different,” Amy Savino said. “He is a constant reminder to us, both on and off the bocce court, why we do this and why we are so involved.”
In the three years since its creation, the bocce team has seen growth and expansion.
“This is our third season for bocce,” Amy Savino said. “It has grown immensely already. This program is so many things; it teaches patience, perseverance, trust, simplicity and acceptance. The skills learned being a part of a program like Unified Sports are invaluable. These kiddos will carry these with them for many years into adulthood. Unified Sports just makes everyone involved a better person. I guarantee they would all attest to that.”
The team is composed of 14 players. Coaches pair special education students with a partner to give them motivation and a feeling of inclusion.
“Our regular education students choose to be a part of this and really want to be there, and our special education kiddos could not have more appreciation and excitement for being a part of a sport just like many typical kids get to do,” A. Savino said. “It truly is a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.”
Amy Savino feels the pairing up of regular and special education students is important for inclusion and forming connections within the team.
“The concept of Unified Sports is a win all the way around,” Amy Savino said. “As coaches, we see first-hand the bonds forming and friendships emerging between regular education and special education populations. Both learn a great deal from each other [about] the true meaning of authentic sportsmanship and [form] unforgettable connections.”
Sophomore Andie Adams has been on the team for two years. Her love for the sport stems from her passion to create opportunity for everyone.
“The bocce team is fun and rewarding,” Adams said. “I hope it allows me to spread kindness and help create fun opportunities for everyone to be on a team.”
Just as Adams has inspired others to join the team, she was also inspired by multiple people.
“My brothers were on the team, as well as my neighbor and friend, Adam,” Adams said. “His parents are coaches, so I felt like it was a great opportunity.”
Sophomore Emilee Vo joined the bocce team this year. Vo takes part in the Sparkle Cheerleading, and has previously been involved with special education sports.
“I got inspired from Sparkle Cheerleading to be involved in more activities with the special education students, but also some of my close friends told me to join because it is fun,” Vo said.
Vo believes it is important to recognize and include people, no matter what their background is.
“I hope to be more aware of people in my life and just continue to be involved,” Vo said.
These students spend multiple days a week dedicated to their sport by practicing and competing in competitions.
“Between practices and games, we have bocce a total of two to three times a week,” Amy Savino said. “Practices are typically one to two weekdays after school for one hour and 15 minutes. They cannot be too much longer without losing some of their focus and interest. Teams are split evenly across the board, part athletes and part partners. We do our best to make the teams even when competing.”
Their season will continue throughout January. Games are held in the fieldhouse, and anyone is welcome to attend. Students are encouraged to come to games, as well as motivate the players in school.
“The student body can show support by attending games, especially home games, as well as help promote the team by spreading the word, high-fiving the kiddos in school, showing interest and being supportive,” Amy Savino said.
