Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High school is in dire need of Bocce Ball members. All students are welcome to join the team, yet only two students have stepped forward. Up to eight more students are being accepted, however, Dr. Spaid, the coach of the team, says, “I would like to have more students participating.  Ideally, I would love to have two teams.”

Bocce Ball is a sport played with teams of 2-8 members where each member strives to land their ball closest to the pallino. Balls closest to the pallino score points, while the furthest away does not. This sport is a combination of PIAA sanctioned and Special Olympics. Coach Spaid adds, “It gives students with disabilities an opportunity to participate in a PIAA sanctioned sport alongside students who do not have disabilities.”

Within our school, Bocce Ball began last school year after the Special Olympics contacted our school and requested we create a team. According to Dr. Spaid, Mr. Struble notified the staff of the team and she later stepped forward to coach with Ms. Plyler alongside her. Soon after, they personally recruited students to be on the team.

This school year, the office made an announcement seeking out possible Bocce Ball players. Dr. Spaid notes that she has had to ask students about who would possibly want to play on the team for the 2018-2019 school year.

Students who enjoy competition are encouraged to join this accuracy-driven sport. Students who have a passion for target shooting or bowling would find this sport especially entertaining. This sport improves social skills, promotes diversity, and encourages students of all backgrounds to work together, according to Coach Spaid.

Bocce Ball is a sport that embraces individuality and welcomes all students, says Dr. Spaid.  All students are encouraged to join this wonderful sport and create amazing friendships and bonds along the way. Practices begin in December and Dr. Spaid and the other Bocce Ball members hope to see you there.