Cheers filled the Progressive Education Program (PEP) gym on Wednesday as teams from across the county and beyond gathered for an adaptive bocce ball tournament.
PEP welcomed teams from North Henderson High, Hendersonville High, A.C. Reynolds High, and Erwin High School to the fun-filled competition. The students played on four pvc-lined bocce ball courts using soft, sand-filled balls and a ramp for those with limited mobility. Teams took turns trying to throw their balls as close as possible to a target ball called a pallino. Now in its second year, the bocce ball tournament provides an opportunity for students to engage in competitive sports, experience teamwork, interact with peers, and build social skills.
“It’s great to offer this during the school day as a way of exercising and having a lot of fun,” said PEP adaptive physical education teacher Brandon Green. “We’ve got peer tutors cheering them on, and they’re making friends and practicing great sportsmanship. It’s awesome to see everyone smiling and enjoying themselves.”