In a remarkable showcase of skill and sportsmanship, four teams from Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) made their mark at the Special Olympics Maryland’s Interscholastic Unified Sports (IUS) Indoor Bocce Tournament held on February 14 at Hagerstown Community College. This event brought together teams from across the state, including Charles, Allegheny, Baltimore, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties, as well as Baltimore City, to compete in a sport that traces its origins back to Italy.
The competition was stiff, but Team 5 from Maurice J. McDonough High School emerged with a bronze medal in the Naples division, showcasing the exceptional talents and dedication of its members. Meanwhile, a collaborative team from St. Charles and Westlake high schools secured a commendable fourth place in the Florence division. McDonough’s Team 3 also put up a valiant effort, taking fifth place in the Milan division. Not to be outdone, Team 1 from La Plata High School earned a respectable seventh-place finish in the Rome division, further highlighting the depth of talent within CCPS.
Unified sports teams, including those that participated in the tournament, are composed of students of varying abilities who train and compete together, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect. This approach to athletics not only fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork but also promotes social inclusion by pairing students with and without intellectual disabilities in shared training and competition experiences. Bocce, the focus of this winter’s event, is one of three Unified sports offerings at CCPS, alongside tennis in the fall and track and field in the spring. Additionally, these students contribute to the community by supporting initiatives like the Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Maryland.
The success of Team 5 at McDonough was a collaborative effort, with students Michael Brill, Malachi Faxon, Logan Gray, Daniel Howard, Nick Mudd, Sebastian Romero, Ethan Shettle, and Aden Sweeney playing key roles. Their achievements were guided by the expert coaching of Dave Bradshaw, a physical education teacher, and Matt Petricoin, a vision teacher at CCPS.
Similarly, the combined team from St. Charles and Westlake high schools, coached by Derwin Webb, Jennifer Heisey, and Caroline Foster, demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill. Team members Xander Dickerson, Ishmael Gray, Myleine Kpoukap Nguikam, Amare Randolph, Peyton Vincent, Victoria White, and Christian Young represented their schools with pride.
McDonough’s Team 3 and La Plata’s Team 1 also showcased the depth of talent within CCPS, with students from various backgrounds coming together to achieve a common goal. The dedication of coaches and players alike underscores the importance of Unified sports in promoting inclusivity, respect, and excellence in athletics.
