Bocce may have been brought to America by Italian immigrants, but the game has been taken over by Bobcats.

Unified bocce is a winter sports program partnered with the Special Olympics that promotes social connections, camaraderie, and physical activity.

Students with or without special needs participate in the program and compete in a competing environment like all other sports.

The Bobcat bocce players have had decent success the past couple of seasons in the program. For the new season, players have been practicing a couple of times a week to perfect their technique before their first match.

Mr. Paul Briggs, a middle school learning support teacher, is the new head coach of the bocce team this year and he is looking forward to a great season.

“I love getting to work with these students. We have a lot of fun together,” shared Mr. Briggs.

The team only has three official matches, but they intend to win those matches so they can advance to the playoffs.

This season the Bobcats will face off against Freedom Area High School at home January 12, Beaver Falls High School away January 19, and Central Valley High School at home February 2.

“We encourage all Beaver Area students and staff to come and support the Unified Bocce Team,” said Mr. Briggs.

The team’s first match is Wednesday in the High School gym: see you there!