Mars Area High School is participating in its second year in the Unified Sports Bocce Program/League.

The school’s Unified Bocce Team, “Mission Imbocceball,” competes in the Three Rivers Region — Butler Division against teams from Armstrong, Butler, Highlands, Knoch, North Catholic/St. Anthony and Seneca Valley. The team practices twice a week, working on various skills and new strategies to improve their game.

Team members include seniors Hal Callithen, Anthony Graham, Caleb Halenda and Hannah Stewart; juniors Keira Matheis and Kiarelis Santiago; sophomore GraceAnn Brudney; and freshmen Levi Fetterhoff. Team partners are sophomores Jackson Kotula and Paige Lauten.

The team will next compete against North Catholic at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at Mars Area High School. The team will then compete in two away matches — the first at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Highlands High School;  and the second at 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, at Knoch High School.

The Interscholastic Unified Bocce Season continues from December through February. Each match consists of two 30-minute games. 

Special Olympics Unified Sports provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and the demonstration of competence to individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families and the community. Athletes learn important developmental and life skills and participation translates well beyond the sports to help them live more independent and rewarding lives.

For more information, visit https://specialolympicspa.org/bocce-schedule.