COOL SCHOOLS: Unified sports expands in OCSD to include bowling

The acceptance of students of all abilities has made the Oswego City School District’s unified sports program blossom, just one year after it began.

Unified sports for the district started last year with basketball and has now grown to include bowling.

Overseen by Kyle Brown and coach Kristina Taylor, the unified bowling team has attracted several OHS students from all grade levels and abilities. Brown said the athletes, or students with disabilities, are paired up with general education students to help support, cheer and guide them one-on-one. Teaching assistants also are on hand to support students who utilize individualized education plans.

While the unified bowling season is short, Brown said much comradery, commitment and fun has been packed into just a few weeks. Tenth-grader Devlin Donovyn said he couldn’t agree more, as he has had a wonderful time with his partner, 11th-grader Brooke Crespo.

“Bowling is something that takes a lot of patience to master, but the payoff is amazing,” Donovyn said. “It’s such a good stress reliver; it’s fun.”