Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD is excited to bring Unified Sports to the junior/senior high school this fall, starting with a bocce team. Unified Sports brings together students with and without  disabilities to practice, compete, and build friendships on the same team.

A recent student survey across all grade levels highlighted the need for more inclusive opportunities to help ensure all students feel connected and engaged both in and out of the classroom. Creating inclusive programs fosters a sense of belonging, promotes equity, and supports the academic and social-emotional growth of every student.

"Starting a Unified Sports program is a great way to introduce sports to those students who may otherwise not be able to participate. As a special education teacher and someone who played in the town's bocce league, I think starting with bocce is a great idea. Bocce is a sport that can be played at any age," said Kyle Williams, athletic director and coach.

In partnership with both the Waterford Bocce League and the Mechanicville Bocce League, the Waterford-Halfmoon team will practice at 8th Street Park on their two courts and play home matches at Mechanicville's courts. Away matches will be played either at the opposing school or at their local bocce club. 

"We are planning to start practices in mid-September. The first few practices will be for the athletes and partners to get to know each other and learn the game and its strategies. Many of the participants will likely never have picked up a bocce ball before," said Williams.

Coach Williams wants the athletes to learn the game and the value of competition, but he also hopes it motivates them to find other ways to participate at school. 

"My goal is that being on the bocce team will inspire athletes to get more involved in school, whether it is another sport, Sidekicks Club, Game Club, or any other club that interests them. I am hopeful that participating will give them a new friend group that they might not have had a chance to form. For the partners, I am looking at this as an opportunity to teach leadership, empathy, and community involvement," he said. 

Any student in grades 7-12 can participate. There will be a minimum of eight athletes (students with a disability) and eight partners. There is a season kick-off, followed by five matches in September and October, and then a culminating event at the end of October. Students can register on Family ID as part of our athletic sign-ups.

Coach Williams hopes that in a few years, they will add other sports, such as bowling and/or basketball. 

“Unified Sports will strengthen our school community by providing increased opportunities for students to compete and support one another. By fostering inclusion, connection, and mutual respect, we look forward to seeing our students come together as teammates and celebrate each other’s successes,” said Michael Healey, Superintendent of Schools.