Mars Area High School is participating in its thurd 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 senior Abigail David and Anthony Graham; juniors GraceAnn Brudney (captain) and Courtney Stewart; and sophomore Levi Fetterhoff. Team partners are juniors Jackson Kotula and Paige Lauten (captain).

The team will next compete against Butler at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Butler Area Senior High School and then Armstrong 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, at Mars Area 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, contact Earlene Allshouse and Shane St. Esprit, team  coaches at (724) 625-1581 or visit https://specialolympicspa.org/bocce-schedule.