Hopewell Bocce Ball
Unified Bocce Senior Night- Coaches Comments, Player Insight, & Game pictures
On Tuesday Feburary 10th, Hopewell Unified Bocce took on the South Side Rams for a tough competition. Although Hopewell did not win, the teamwork, support, and co-creative atmosphere helped to draw away from the loss.
Additionally, for the unfamiliar readers, Unified Bocce is a blended sport through the Special Olympics, which allows intellectually disabled students to collaborate with students who do not have intellectual disabilities. At Hopewell, the number of opportunities provided for students to foster a community with a group is very large. Coaches Chris Nee and Morgan Singletary provide all students with equal opportunities to feel included, represented, and to embody their true selves. Other Sports Teams came out to support, like the Hopewell Varsity Swim Team, with Head Coach Kathi Lopez and Assistant Coach Barb Marnhout present as well. Dr. Carrie Potter-Murray, Hopewell’s Special Education director, and several Hopewell teachers, aides, and paraprofessionals were also present at this event. The amount of support that was at this event was tremendous, just showing that Hopewell has a community-based foundation where support is given to all people.
The seniors who were recognized at tonight’s event include:
Bella Ceccarelli
Addi Davis
Payton Korker
Lahna Murray
Sky Ross
Chris Shields
Addy Franz (There was a memorial for Addy at tonight’s event, celebrating her life and dedication to Bocce, as this year was going to be her senior year participating in bocce.)
Hopewell Senior, Lahna Murray said, “I feel like bocce allows Hopewell to come together more as a school and a community. I’m a little sad it’s over, but it was a fun experience.”
Bocce Head Coach Chris Nee said.
“The Bocce team fell short vs top seeded South Side yesterday. The Vikings will look to redeem themselves in the 1st round of the playoffs next week. Big time shoutout to our cheerleaders, student volunteers, and the student section for the support on Senior Night!!
South Side is one of the top teams in the division. Our teams struggled a bit to hit some of the “sweet spots” on the court. Both games were tight and could have gone either way. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side.
I want to take a moment to recognize how incredibly well our team worked together this season. I will start with our student volunteers. One of the goals of Unified Bocce is to be student driven. Our MC, scorekeepers, and even some of our referees are students. They all did an amazing job this season!
Our team did not disappoint as well. The players go out of their way to support and encourage each other. They have important responsibilities such as match day set up and assisting their team mates with special needs.
I’m proud of what we accomplished — but even more proud of how we accomplished it: as a team. The players go out of their way to support and encourage each other.”
