Indoor Bocce Ball Starting at Central Mountain High School

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – Central Mountain High School has a unique new sport available for students. The Keystone Central School Board Thursday night gave its okay to establishment of the Central Mountain Unified Indoor Bocce Team.

Unanimous approval came following a presentation from Len Rutecki, an autistic support teacher at Central Mountain. He said funding for the program will be provided by Special Olympics. He said the bocce program is for both Special Olympic athletes and non-Special Olympic students.

In his presentation to the school board, Rutecki said the program will provide multiple benefits to the participants:

Foster social inclusion;

Create school climate of respect, acceptance and diversity;

Reduce bullying through empowerment, awareness and engagement;

Improve health and fitness;

Develop character, life skills and enhanced self-esteem.

Rutecki said three matches have been scheduled, including one at home. The program will begin Dec. 1 and run until mid-March. Area schools already with the sport are Bald Eagle Area, Bellefonte and State College. The only local cost involved will be for transportation and a grant is being sought for that from the Keystone Central Foundation.

Keystone superintendent Jacquelyn Martin offered her support for the program and said if there is sufficient interest at Bucktail High School, the sport will be offered there.