A growing Unified Sports program at Rustin HS with newest bocce ball team
WEST CHESTER, Pa. — 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. Bayard Rustin High School is one of the newest high schools to participate in indoor unified sports with their first unified bocce team. Unified sports help promote inclusion, acceptance, and respect.
The indoor bocce season began in December and runs through February with culminating events held in March. Students participate in a least 2 practices each week, and participate in a handful of games with local high schools throughout the season. Rustin recently had their first home game, January 6, 2022, against West Chester East High School and the excitement and support leading up to the game, and at the game, was just tremendous.
The two coaches at Rustin High School, Elizabeth McVeigh and Marrisa Hammond are amazed by the high school students and staffers who have banded together in support of the new bocce team.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about a fun and easy to learn sport鈥t鈥檚 about community,鈥� says, Elizabeth McVeigh, Coach and Special Education teacher at Bayard Rustin High School.
Many staff members come out for practice matches against the kids.聽 They are proudly wearing their bocce team sweatshirts and encouraging Rustin students to get involved with the team.聽 Students are stopping into practices to watch, and cheer the kids on.聽 The bocce team looks forward to seeing more student in the bleachers as COVID restrictions ease up.
There is already a list of students who have expressed interest in joining the bocce team next year.聽 鈥淔or our students with disabilities, this has been such a joy.聽 They are included with their peers, and loving the support they are receiving.聽 It has been such an exciting time!鈥� says, Marrisa Hammond, Bocce Coach.
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