Unified track and bocce athletes and coaches are recognized by the Warren County School District during Monday’s board meeting.

Members of the Warren County School District’s Unified Sports program were recognized during the Committee of the Whole meeting for a season marked by competitive success, personal growth and statewide achievement.

School officials welcomed Unified Sports coaches, student-athletes and volunteers to celebrate the accomplishments of the district’s bocce and track teams. The program, which brings together students with and without disabilities on the same teams, focuses on inclusion, teamwork, meaningful participation and competition.

Unified Sports Head Coach Cayla Onoratti highlighted the program’s growth over the past several years. After launching a successful bocce program, the district expanded to Unified track, a move that quickly produced impressive results.

“Our goal this season was to win,” Onoratti said. “And obviously we’re going out there having fun and building relationships.”

The school fielded two bocce teams this year and qualified for playoffs. One team finished sixth in postseason competition. Across Pennsylvania, nearly 500 bocce teams competed during the season.

In Unified track’s inaugural season, Warren exceeded expectations by finishing third at regional competition and advancing to the state championships. A team of 12 athletes traveled to Shippensburg University to compete against some of the state’s top programs, ultimately placing ninth overall among approximately 187 Unified track teams statewide.

Onoratti said one of the most memorable moments of the season came during the state championships when a student-athlete was interviewed by Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

When asked why he enjoyed Unified Sports, the student responded, “It makes me feel like I belong to something.”

The comment, Onoratti said, reflected the true purpose of the program.

Student participants also shared their experiences during the meeting. Several athletes cited competing in track and traveling with teammates as highlights of the season. Others emphasized the importance of inclusion and the friendships formed through the program.

In addition to athletic competition, Warren Area High School has expanded inclusion efforts through school clubs and activities designed to foster connections among all students. School administrators noted that Unified Sports is part of a broader effort to create a welcoming and inclusive environment throughout the district.

The program included 17 student participants in both bocce and track this year, with support from coaches, school staff, administrators and volunteers.

School board members praised the athletes and coaches for their dedication and expressed enthusiasm for the program’s future, saying they enjoyed attending the sporting events this past spring.

The recognition concluded with congratulations from board members, who commended the athletes and coaches for a successful year and wished them continued success in the upcoming season.