Kinkaid students spent their sunny Saturday morning volunteering at the Special Needs Texas Olympics East Region Bocce Ball tournament on Sep. 23.
Bocce ball is one of the many sports included in the Special Needs Olympics. Bocce provides people with special needs the opportunity to have social contact, enjoy physical development and gain self-confidence.
After volunteers set up the courts and transformed the football field into a bocce event, they lined up on the track to begin the opening ceremony. Volunteers waved pom-poms and cheered for the athletes as they strolled down the track to start the games. After the parade, students sang the national anthem, led by seniors Isabelle King and Chris Kositprapa, and the Olympic torch was lit.
The teams of students with disabilities practiced bocce ball throughout the year in preparation for this tournament, so the athletes were knowledgeable about the sport.
Student volunteers ignored the heat and humidity and cherished their time with each athlete and their families. Volunteers were assigned to a job during their time; some were court captains, court assistants, concession workers, or helpers at the athletes’ village.
“It is super fun to get to know the players and watch them play,” said junior Natalie Harvin. “It is so exciting when you get to the finals.”
When athletes weren’t participating in a match, they could spend time in the athlete’s village. The village was full of inflatable games and some much-needed shade and water.
Once each round of matches was over, the players were awarded for their wins. The scores were announced, and the winners took their place on a podium where they were presented with their medals.
“I love the awards ceremony; it’s the best part of the event,” junior Anna Consoli said. “I love celebrating the athletes and seeing them so happy.”
