The sound of little rubber balls thudding across a gym floor fills the air. One of these balls makes the winning point for a school’s Unified Bocce ball team. One team may win, and there is complete silence. Not for Pennridge, though, as the stands are filled with Pennridge Rams who traveled to the Giant Center for the Unified Bocce state championship via fan bus in the spring of 2023. Showing up matters; Pennridge understands that and demonstrates it throughout the school, especially for our Unified Sports Club. The Unified Club at Pennridge High School combines students with intellectual and physical disabilities, called buddies, who pair up with students without those disabilities and are called partners. These teams compete in multiple sports, including bocce and track and field.
The Unified Bocce team at PHS had earned the opportunity to go to states, and the school organized a fan bus with a sign-up to travel up to the Giant Center to support the team. When the fans showed up at the stadium, cheering for the team, there was a noticeable uplift in the moods, expressions, and performance of the Unified Players. Ariana Porter is the president of the Pennridge High School’s chapter of Unified. She explained that one of her favorite memories is “seeing the smiles on the players at bocce states when they saw all the people that showed up for them.” Not only are the faces and expressions of the team members improved, but their energy and performance are also improved. When asked about noticeable performance improvements, Jennifer Cammerata, the faculty advisor of the Pennridge chapter, explained, “Absolutely, the kids are excited to do well and want to make their school proud.” Not only do the kids get excited about seeing their peers at the game, but they get excited even in the hallways. They love seeing those who support them and wish them the best. This is no different than any other person in the world. Everyone loves those who show up for and support them. The Unified players even have an impact on those who watch the games. Simon, a Unified Club member, said, “It feels really good to support friends who are kind of your team.” Simon has not previously been a part of the Unified Sports team but loves to watch its members play. This year will be his first year trying it out, and he feels excited. The joy the peers and players give each other through their support is unmatchable.
People all over the world struggle with different disabilities, whether that be physical or intellectual disabilities. We all have different abilities and love it when others support and show up for us. Imagine if you had a big event, you were so excited to do something important that you never thought was possible, but nobody showed up; it would hurt. It is important to show up for those you care about. Even if you do not know them all that well, it is important to show up as you would want the same done for you.
If you would like to celebrate the Pennridge Unified Club and show up for them, you can find their schedule and game dates on the daily ramble, on Instagram, or be asked to be added to the canvas page by emailing the advisors.
