Bocce, bowling, basketball;

All over the county Sports for Life makes an impact on the lives of special needs students, especially the ones at NH.
Sports for Life, which may also be known as unified sports, allows special needs students to participate in sports just as their Best Buddies would do. In the fall bocce ball is played, in the winter bowling, and in the spring basketball. Last year’s bowling team did so well that they progressed on to a different tournament besides the end of the season tournament with the rest of the Harford County school teams.
Usually there are about 15 participants, but it all depends on the sport that is being played. Each season there about ten practices, and at the end of the season there is a tournament that all HCPS schools participate in, and even some Cecil County schools.
This fall the team played at Bel Air, and although the results do not always matter to the kids, they all received certificates for their participation and enthusiasm towards the sport.
“It’s great to see the kids go out there and play, and to see the smiles on their faces once they are rewarded after the games,” said Mrs. Victoria Bridges.
Sports for Life allows for students to get involved and be able to have the same opportunities as other students throughout their high school experience.
“The kids enjoy themselves, and there is nothing better than seeing them participate and being able to have the interaction with their Best Buddies,” said Bridges.
Usually the Best Buddies help out, but anyone is allowed to come and help. But, during the games, Best Buddies are not allowed to score, but they can pass the ball, or push wheelchairs if needed.
The next sport, bowling, will start in January.