Abington Heights Unified Sports team holds first bocce ball meet

CLARKS SUMMIT — Abington Heights’ Unified Sports team held its first home bocce ball meet against Carbondale Area Monday.

Bocce ball is an Italian game and a sport hosted by the Special Olympics which provides people with special needs the opportunity for social interaction.

Over 300 people were in attendance in the Abington Heights gymnasium, supporting the athletes and cheering them on.

Volunteers included Abington Heights’ Superintendent Dr. Michael Mahon, Assistant Superintendent Marc Wyandt, High School Principal Andrew Snyder, High School Vice Principal Dr. Mark Lemoncelli, Athletic Director Randy Hanyon, Unified Bocce coach Casey Beicher and many others.

Smiles lit up the faces of everyone in attendance, including the athletes.

Abington Heights Vice Principal Dr. Mark Lemoncelli instructs Unified Sports team member Bobby Curran during thei team;’s first home bocce ball meet.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/web1_AJ020520UNIFIEDSPORTS1.jpg.optimal.jpgAbington Heights Vice Principal Dr. Mark Lemoncelli instructs Unified Sports team member Bobby Curran during thei team;’s first home bocce ball meet. Zachary Allen | For Abington Journal

Matthew Tokash smiles after his turn during the bocce ball meet.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/web1_AJ020520UNIFIEDSPORTS2.jpg.optimal.jpgMatthew Tokash smiles after his turn during the bocce ball meet. Zachary Allen | For Abington Journal

Matthew Tokash takes his turn during the bocce ball meet.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/web1_AJ020520UNIFIEDSPORTS3.jpg.optimal.jpgMatthew Tokash takes his turn during the bocce ball meet. Zachary Allen | For Abington Journal

Bobby Curran celebrates after his turn during the first home bocce ball meet at Abington Heights.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/web1_AJ020520UNIFIEDSPORTS4.jpg.optimal.jpgBobby Curran celebrates after his turn during the first home bocce ball meet at Abington Heights. Zachary Allen | For Abington Journal

Norah Carey reacts after taking her turn in the bocce ball meet.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/web1_AJ020520UNIFIEDSPORTS5.jpg.optimal.jpgNorah Carey reacts after taking her turn in the bocce ball meet. Zachary Allen | For Abington Journal