On Saturday, November 15th, Walpole High School attended the third annual Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (MASC) Bocce Tournament. Held at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, MASC continued their partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) to ensure an exciting event for student council members and special education students.
This year, like in the past, the Bocce tournament upheld the motto “Inclusion Revolution.” Participants were encouraged to use this motto in hashtags on Twitter and Instagram to promote the exciting, inclusive atmosphere created through the annual Bocce tournament.
Walpole entered two teams into the tournament and had an array of fans in the cheering section. The Rebels first team, led by Career in Education student Michael McCarthy came away with two wins versus Middleboro and Rockland, and was supported by senior Annie Gallivan, sophomore Audrey Lynch, and junior Cathrine Paul. Career in Education student Katie DeBlasio was the Rebels other captain and her team of Liam McDonough, Stina Cofsky, and Shannon Baker also obtained several wins.
The day began with the Bocce Special Olympics opening ceremony. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, a Special Education student, led by a Hanson police officer, descended from the top of the auditorium to complete the lighting of the Olympic torch. Next to speak was Courtney Adelman, a senior from Middleboro High School, recently crowned the 2014 Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen. Adelman, as part of her service as Miss Massachusetts Teen, selects an organization to aid in community service – she chose Special Olympics. Adelman was inspired to participate with Special Olympics as she has seen how they have positively impacted many people’s lives – including that of her younger brother who has Down Syndrome. Lastly, final remarks from Middleboro and Massachusetts State Adviser Paul Branagan thanked students for attending and reminded them of the tournament’s goals.
Despite lacking playoff rounds, each bocce team participated in four 20 minute rounds in which they competed against another town’s quartet. Unlike traditional beach bocce, this tournament is played entirely indoors on Whitman-Hanson high school’s gymnasium floor. The indoor bocce set still consists of four bocce balls and the small, white pallina, however, they are significantly lighter than the traditional bocce set.
While teams played their matches, other teams and fans flocked to the school’s cafeteria that was magically transformed into the “Olympic Village.” Here, they were treated to lunch and were able to replenish and return to their next match.
Overall, the tournament was a success and an event Walpole High School Student Council returns to every year. “This is one of my favorite statewide events,” said Assistant Secretary junior Stina Cofsky, “because not only do I get to see my student council friends from all around Massachusetts, but the Career in Education students get to compete.” In the future, Walpole hopes to host the MASC Bocce Tournament and have the opportunity to create a lasting impact with Special Olympics.
