Unified bocce displaying the power of inclusion and teamwork at Thomas Jefferson High School
JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa. (KDKA) -- Peers are becoming teammates and bonding over bocce at Thomas Jefferson High School.
Through a partnership with Best Buddies and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania, the unified bocce team at Thomas Jefferson is bringing students with and without disabilities together and displaying the power of inclusion and teamwork.
"Best Buddies is one of my favorite activities. I love hanging out with them, and this is just another thing I get to do so we can have fun and make memories together," said 11th-grade student Abby Kauffman.
The team at Thomas Jefferson is one of close to 300 unified bocce teams across Pennsylvania.
The school has been participating for the past three years, teaching these young athletes how to play and play together respectfully and successfully.
Like any other sport, the students practice and compete and on Wednesday, they played their final match of the season.
Some players said when they're playing together, they always walk away feeling like winners, regardless of the final score.
Being on the unified bocce team has also improved 10th-grader Jackson Clutter's concentration skills, and according to his mom, Kelly Ulmer, so much more.
"(Jackson's) confidence skyrocketed just knowing there's something he does very well and excels at. And it makes my heart happy to watch how happy he is around these kids," Ulmer said.
Jackson, now a high school sophomore, joined the team last year. His mom hasn't missed a game.
"It's a great opportunity for kids with special needs to be a part of something big, and to feel like they belong, which they do, no matter what. And to learn on their own level," Ulmer added.
Those lessons roll far beyond any of the game's boundaries.
Abby says her teammates have taught her patience and that winning has nothing to do with the final score.
"They've taught me patience and the importance of always having fun and that winning isn't always as important as having a great time," said Kauffman. "Because whenever they're super focused, sometimes we don't have the best time, but whenever we're just having fun and we're all excited to be there together, that's when we make our most memories."
The Jaguars won their final match of the season on Tuesday. Although they didn't make it to the playoffs, there's always next year and plenty of space for everyone.
"I hope they continue on and get more people to play," Clutter said.
