Unified Bocce

Maddy Ehrlich and Carolyn Kelly

Soccer, tennis, golf, lacrosse, football. There is no shortage of sports at Niskayuna high school. Each sport represents a different skill, has their own team culture, and strives to win. Accompanying all the diverse sports offered at Niskayuna, the school also offers opportunities to participate in Unified sports teams. These teams are a great opportunity for students with and without disabilities to come together, forging unforgettable memories and friendships. In the past, the school offered Unified Basketball and Bowling, each team providing an avenue for students to showcase their skills. However, this year, the Unified Sports program is expanding, with Unified Bocce being added as a Niskayuna sport. 

Unified Bocce is not only fun for students, but promotes inclusion of everyone. Like other sports teams, the team practices in the gym, and has games where the students compete and represent the school. As original members of the new team, the players have been able to have an unprecedented role as members of this team that will hopefully last for years to come. Summer and Jooha, two members of the team, both agreed that they loved the bus rides and opportunity to meet new people at different schools. As the league expands, schools across the capital region have begun implementing Unified Bocce teams into their school. Unlike other sports, Unified Bocce is not just about winning, but creating a fun, cooperative environment where all students can be included. 

Last year, The Special Olympics honored Niskayuna High School as being a National Unified Champion School. This achievement is not easy to come by, and reflects the commitment of students and staff who work hard to create an inclusive environment for students with and without disabilities. By hosting events through the Nisky Friends and All-Star Athletes club, and giving the option for many Unified Sports teams, Niskayuna has been working hard to promote inclusivity, their efforts cumulating into this recognition and banner they were awarded. 

Dan, a member of Unified Bocce, summed up the experience clearly, stating “It feels awesome” to be a part of Niskayuna's first Unified Bocce team. Unified sports teams are key to developing a school environment where every student can showcase their talents, and feel welcome. Unified Bocce is a symbol of Niskayuna High School’s students and staffs efforts to continue expanding the school’s unified programs so that friendships can be forged and above anything else, everyone can have a great time. As winter approaches and the Bocce season eventually comes to an end, unified initiatives will not stop. The Polar Plunge, where students and staff alike race into the freezing water in order to promote awareness of Unified Programs and The Special Olympics, will take place, extending on the initiatives started this year with Unified Bocce that make the school a better place.