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An inspired season for the Pine Bush Unified Bowling team

The inaugural season for unified bowling here in Pine Bush has come to an end and what an awesome experience it has been for all involved!

Unified sports combine students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team to contribute their own unique skills and provide leadership to each other.

Sitting in a bowling alley, a group of four young men and women sit together smiling.

Athletic Director Mike Gillespie brought unified sports to Pine Bush in 2018 with basketball. It was an incredible success and he’s wanted to expand the offerings. This year was the year.

A young woman wearing dark clothes just released a bowling ball down the alley.

There were six bowlers on the team – Emily, Patrick, Jesnel, Willie, Ciena and Joseph –  and one partner, Logan, who assisted the bowlers when needed. Coach Mike Terwilliger has experience coaching with a similar program in Maryland.

 

A young man wearing dark colored clothes is laughing, while holding an orange bowling ball. He is standing at the edge of a bowling lane.

“I feel that this experience is a true representation of what sport is about,” said Coach Terwilliger. “Students are highly engaged and excited about participating in a high school level sporting event. Most importantly, the various teams seamlessly work together to uplift one another in addition to the competitiveness of the activity.”

 

A group of five - four young men and one young woman - stand together with bowling lanes in the background. They are smiling.

The Pine Bush team bowled against several teams in the area, including Cornwall, New Paltz, Kingston, Arlington and Newburgh. The team had a wonderful experience, according to Mr. Gillespie, a great mix of competition, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.

 

A man in center and two young men on his sides stand together taking a photo.

 

“This was a great first year for us,” said Mr. Gillespie. “I’ve been wanting to expand our unified offerings for some time. This was the right time. Giving the students this opportunity is incredible. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been a part of.”

 

A group of three young men, all wearing navy blue shirts with PB on the right side. They are smiling.

 

Coach Terwilliger agreed, noting the inspirational spirit these athletes bring to the table.

 

A young man wearing dark clothes just released a bowling ball down the alley.

“It truly is an inspiration to any athlete because these young men and women represent the true spirit of what Pine Bush is all about,” added Coach Terwilliger. “Through smiles, excitement, and yes, even some competition, these Unified Bowlers represent the true spirit Pine Bush should try to be each and every day.”

 

A young man wearing dark clothes just released a bowling ball down the alley.

 

The Unified Sports Program is a collaboration between the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and Special Olympics New York.

Pine Bush Central School District
State Route 302, Pine Bush, NY 12566
Phone: (845) 744-2031
Fax: (845) 744-6189
Amy Brockner
Interim Superintendent of Schools
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