Unified bocce team brings students together at Gateway

Last year, when one of Gateway School District’s two unified bocce teams made it to the playoffs, the full roster of players was there to cheer each other on.

That rang true to the mission of unified bocce — part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program. The intramural activity features teams comprised of students with and without intellectual disabilities, with the goal being to promote social inclusion and change through sport.

The Gateway bocce team had about 16 students last year – two teams of eight. This year, it has grown to 20 students. Because the official rules only allow eight students on a team, four substitutes help out at practices and matches, according to coach Olivia Garbett. One substitute sings the national anthem. The substitutes cannot play, but have the first opportunity to be on the team the following year.

In order to qualify, a team must be comprised of athletes from the Life Skills or Autistic Support classrooms, and their partners must be mainstream or general education students, said Garbett, a special education teacher in the learning support classroom.

“Because of the type of sport bocce is, it really evens the playing field,” said Garbett, who is in her third year at Gateway and also serves as the school’s assistant soccer coach. “Students who otherwise may not be on a team or get to play a sport, they really get to excel at bocce.”

To qualify, the two teams must have two events per week, whether it be practice or matches. “Sometimes we get creative,” said Garbett, stating the teams had a mini golf day recently but with bocce balls.

“Being a soccer coach, I just really love the coaching world,” Garbett added. “It’s so exciting to see the kids’ eyes light up when the others are rooting for them. And it’s wonderful to see the students’ parents in the stands, cheering them on.”

Being part of the team is rewarding for the partners, too. Garbett noted.

“Building those relationships is really something positive to witness,” she said. “And it encourages them to volunteer in other realms.

“Win or lose of a match, there is still that bond.”

Gateway is in the midst of its second season with an overall record of 2-1. The team plays Plum, Franklin Regional, Fox Chapel, Riverview and Burrell. The Three Rivers region is made up of 62 teams.

For anyone who’d like to see the students in action, the team’s last home match of the season is Feb. 1 at 3:30 p.m. at the Furrie Sports Complex at the high school, 3000 Gateway Campus Boulevard.