🎯🎳💙 Rallying Support for Hopewell’s Unified Bocce Team 💙🎳🎯

🎯🎳💙 Rallying Support for Hopewell’s Unified Bocce Team 💙🎳🎯

At Hopewell High School, there is a team that represents the very best of what school sports — and our community — are meant to be. That team is Unified Bocce.

The Hopewell High School Unified Bocce Team is made up of 16 student-athletes and two dedicated coaches, united through a Special Olympics Unified Sports program that brings together students with and without disabilities on the same team. What they are building goes far beyond competition — it’s inclusion, friendship, confidence, and belonging.

Unified Bocce is a Special Olympics–style program, designed to foster social inclusion by blending students of all abilities into one supportive, collaborative team environment. Every player has a role. Every athlete is celebrated. And every match is a reminder that sports can be a powerful force for good.

A Program That Welcomes Everyone 🤝

Unified Bocce is intentionally structured so that every student can participate, regardless of physical ability, academic background, or financial means. The program is completely free to students, removing barriers and ensuring that no one is left on the sidelines.

In previous articles, a common theme has emerged:

Unified Bocce creates a space where everyone belongs.

David Rogerson once reflected on his experience, sharing that bocce “helped me grow my skills in communication,” adding simply, “Bocce is something I enjoy.” His words echo the experience of many athletes who find confidence and comfort through the program.

Eileen Chen described Unified Bocce as a sport that meets athletes where they are, explaining that it is “more of a strategy game rather than physically demanding,” allowing her to compete, contribute, and enjoy the experience without pressure.

These moments — the quiet confidence, the shared laughter, the encouragement after every roll — are why Unified Bocce consistently leaves a lasting impression on players, coaches, and spectators alike.

On the court, students learn strategy, communication, patience, and teamwork. Off the court, they form friendships that often extend well beyond the season. For many athletes, Unified Bocce provides a sense of confidence and connection they may not have found elsewhere.

This is what makes Unified Bocce special — it’s not about wins and losses. It’s about belonging, respect, and shared success.

Why Community Support Matters 💙

Because Unified Bocce is free for students, the program relies heavily on fundraisers and community donations to operate and grow. Every dollar raised goes directly back to the athletes and helps create a meaningful, memorable experience for every student involved.

Funds raised through donations and fundraisers help cover:

• Team shirts and Hopewell Bocce swag
• End-of-year awards and prizes
• Senior gifts for graduating athletes
• Snacks and refreshments for home matches
• Any additional needs that support the students throughout the season

Your support ensures that these athletes feel valued, prepared, and proud every time they step onto the court.

🎟️ Unified Bocce Raffle Fundraiser – Help Us Reach the Finish Line!

Please help support the Hopewell High School Unified Bocce Team by purchasing a raffle ticket.

🎫 Tickets: $10 each

📅 Drawing: Friday, February 21 at 8:00 PM

🎯 Goal: Sell 100 tickets — we are closing in, but we need your help!

Every ticket sold helps our athletes continue to play, compete, and have fun together. Your generosity directly impacts the success of this program and the students it serves.

🧺 Raffle Basket Highlights 🎁

The raffle basket currently includes $350+ worth of items (and may continue to grow before the drawing), including:

• $25 Kuhn’s Gift Card
• $50 Diane Cleaners
• $40 Fox’s Pizza
• Starbucks items
• Dunkin’ Donuts items
• Vodka, Tequila, and Bourbon
• Long Island & Margarita mixers
• Several 6-packs of beer and cider
• Four bottles of wine
• Wine and bourbon glasses
• Hopewell Bocce swag

How to Purchase Tickets 🎟️

To purchase raffle tickets, simply provide:

• Name
• Phone Number

💰 Venmo accepted: @Brad-Hiltz

Please let us know how many tickets you’d like.

A Worthwhile Cause That Truly Makes a Difference ❤️

Unified Bocce is proof that when we lead with inclusion, everyone benefits. These students aren’t just playing a sport — they’re gaining confidence, building friendships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

By supporting this fundraiser, you’re investing in students, community, and a program that represents the very heart of Hopewell.

Thank you for standing behind the Hopewell High School Unified Bocce Team.

Together, we can help them continue to shine — on and off the court. 💙🤍🎳