The students’ focus was threefold…strikes, spares, and socializing. On January 24, 2024 the Bernards High School Bowling team had their first match against Mt. Olive, in the Unified Sports League, and it was a success!
The goal of bringing Unified Sports to the Somerset Hills School District has been three years in the making. Director of Student Services Jamie Koransky brainstormed ideas with Bernards High School administrators, Dr. Scott Neigel, Principal and Mike Hoppe, Athletic Director. They are always looking for ways to help students feel more included. Since BHS did not have a Bowling team already, the trio worked hard to make this opportunity become a reality. After assessing student interest, Dr. Neigel dedicated time to grant writing. Unified Sports is a national program run by the Special Olympics and is a way to extend vocational and life skills beyond the school day. The district was awarded funds through a grant, and BHS Teacher Amy Hart and BHS Paraprofessional Ilona Coheleach were selected as Bowling coaches for the team.
The 2023-2024 school year marks the first year of Bowling with its purpose rooted in uniting students with special needs and their high school peers, to enjoy sports and other fun activities together. The students practiced bowling once a week after school at the Bowlero on Route 22 in Green Brook, New Jersey. They received lessons on various rules of the sport, in addition to life skills that addressed navigating lane and shoe rentals and programming the electronic scoreboard. Bowling as a team sport promotes exercise and healthy living, as well as structure and socialization. It also celebrates inclusion, which is beneficial to all individuals.
In addition to the updated 48 lane alley, the Bowlero has a snack stand and an arcade, which is always a great place for teens to connect and enjoy state-of-the-art video games and old-school classics. “Having opportunities to build social skills is critical for all students,” said Koransky. With cell phones and social media competing for the younger generation’s attention, some aspects of fostering friendships and relationships with others has proven more challenging over the last two decades. However, Hart shared, “Society is becoming more aware and understanding when it comes to neurodivergence. Seeing as the majority of BHS students will move on to college or the workforce after graduation, they will need to interact with a wide variety of people and display acceptance and appreciation for others’ differences.”
Bowling is an activity that has stood the test of time. It is a lively sport, and enjoyable for friends and families. It is one that spans all ages and ability levels. While certainly Bowling teams and leagues can be competitive, and skills can be sharpened, Bowling continues to carry the essence of both fellowship and fun!