The inaugural Chester County Interscholastic Unified Bocce Championship recently brought together special education and general education students for a day of fun and lighthearted competition at Unionville High School, writes Neil Geoghegan for PA Prep Live.

Henderson High School’s White team became the first-ever county champion after beating Henderson High School’s Garnet team in the final. There were no losers in the competition; just smiles throughout the day.

“I say all the time that I work very hard, but when I see our athletes succeeding, it makes it all worthwhile,” said Kelsey Foster, the Pennsylvania Special Olympics School and Youth Leadership Coordinator.

While this was the first championship held in Chester County, the bocce program is now in its 11th season nationally and its fifth in Pennsylvania.

The competition drew six teams from four area highs schools, including two teams each from Henderson and Unionville with the remaining teams from Downingtown East and West Chester East.

“It’s incredibly important to work with our special needs student-athletes,” said Unionville senior Emily Holmes. “They are just like us, and the more you are around them, the more you learn that.”

Read more about the inaugural Chester County Interscholastic Unified Bocce Championship at PA Prep Live here.