Franklin Area Junior-Senior High School has launched its first Special Olympics Pennsylvania Interscholastic Unified Sports (IUS) bocce team, marking a milestone for inclusivity in Venango County. The program unites students with and without disabilities as equal teammates, competing like any other high school sport with regular practices and competitions. Supported by Special Olympics PA and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), the initiative fosters teamwork, leadership, and schoolwide inclusion. The team, consisting of 10 athletes, played its first game against Grove City and will host its inaugural home match against Allegheny-Clarion Valley. The program’s goal is to expand participation and create a more welcoming school environment through structured activities and broader community involvement.
To read this complete article, visit it on our website or pick up a copy of The Derrick or The News-Herald for January 27, 2025.
