This fall season,  a surge in participation in the Special Olympics bocce ball team has brought a new sense of community to LFHS. 

As more individuals join, it helps create an even closer-knit group. 

The Special Olympics creates a safe environment for special education students (athletes). Contributing to this environment, peer buddies help make the experience even more enjoyable by building long-lasting friendships. 

“There are few opportunities to volunteer every week at the school, but Bocce Ball is twice a week, making it so fun. I think it’s great that so many people are joining, and it lifts everyone’s spirits,” peer buddy Rayanne Attar said. “The Special Olympics is an inclusive sports environment for everyone and a place for people to be themselves.” 

 There are three seasons of the Special Olympics throughout the year: bocce ball, basketball, and track and field. The  program maintains significance due to the connections grown between buddies with transition students from West Campus and special education students from East Campus. 

“I love the bonds the students make, especially between the athletes and the buddies. We have a new set of best friends with our athletes this year, and it is reassuring to show that this is such an amazing part of the world,” Mrs. Melissa Doucette, team coach, said. 

Each meeting begins with a question, which allows the students to connect and learn more about one another. Following the questions and answers, everyone warms up, stretches, and begins playing Bocce Ball.

Buddies keep the energy high and help ensure that all athletes are comfortable and supported during the games. The friendships that grow from these interactions are often seen to leave remarkable impacts on the athletes participating. 

“Bocce Ball is fun when I get to see all my friends. It is the first season, and I am graduating this year, so I love it so much,” transition athlete Emerson Donohue said. 

Bocce ball is accessible to all students and open to any interested individual. As new athletes come to the high school, the organization continues to grow and flourish. 

Freshman athlete Clayton Goldhaber has already had a fantastic experience participating in Bocce Ball and enjoys spending time with his new teammates. 

“I like Bocce Ball because it is my favorite sport, and I would say I am pretty good at it. It is my favorite group and team to be with,” Goldhaber said.