The city?s Bocce Invitational is about more than winning ? it?s about making connections.
Residents at Charlestown and Oak Crest Village retirement communities recently teamed up with the Special Olympics of Maryland?s Senior Unified Sports Program for Thursday?s invitational. The National Unified Sports Program pairs teams with disabled and nondisabled athletes together.
“We wanted to build a connection with a population that shares similar characteristics to our population,” said Mike Bovino, consultant for Special Olympics Maryland and Director of the Unified Sports Program. “Both seniors and [disabled adults] are at high risk for medical and health issues, but studies show that the more active a senior is, they have significantly less health problems. Adults with intellectual disabilities are the same way.”
Senior citizens and adults with disabilities also are at risk of being disconnected from community and social opportunities. “We wanted to change attitudes. We wanted our seniors to become better educated about folks with intellectual disabilities, and wanted our athletes to learn about the lives of senior citizens,” Bovino said.
The teams will compete in the Senior Unified Bocce Division at the tournament.
Mary Loris is a Charlestown resident who coordinates weekly bocce with the adults from St. Peter?s Adult Learning Center in Baltimore City. “[The program] has really taught me a lot of things. When you get older, you still have a lot to give back,” she said.
Bovino chose bocce because of its easy playing level and socialization aspects. “We call bocce a ?gateway sport,? which means that it opens up the door to doing other sports. It can be played regardless of ability,” Bovino said.
Oak Crest residents have been playing with adults from the Seton Center of the ARC Baltimore. “The entire experience of working with ARC clients is so sweet, especially to see the enthusiasm on their faces after a good throw,” said Bobby Ross, a resident at Oak Crest. “They express themselves by giving you a hug. That?s the best!”
IF YOU GO
Special Olympics Baltimore City Bocce Invitational
WHERE: William J. Myers Soccer Pavilion, 4300 Bay Ave., Baltimore
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. November 8
TICKETS: Free
