The sound of bowling pins crashing echoed through the alley as Gretna’s unified bowling team, formed of both Gretna and Gretna East students, celebrates another strike. Amidst cheers and high-fives, these athletes are doing more than competing against other schools–they’re breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. Gretna takes on four schools in districts today, Dec. 3, at Papio Bowl to have their chance at earning a ticket to state.
In recent competitions, Gretna placed ninth out of ten teams at the EMC Tournament with a score of 537. However, at the Second Annual Bennington Invite on Nov. 19, the team made noticeable progress, finishing in fourth place.
“We try to encourage everybody by saying, ‘try your best’ or ‘it’s okay if you don’t strike,’” freshman Rylan Conn said. “It’s a really fun activity, so our scores and stuff don’t really affect us. It’s just for fun.”
Unified sports teams bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities, providing an opportunity for athletes to compete in a team setting, an experience many might not otherwise have.
“I was motivated to join unified bowling because I am friends with a lot of people that are different,” freshman Elizabeth Reiser said. “I have a friend that is in a wheelchair, a friend that has Down Syndrome, another with autism, and so when I heard they were doing unified bowling, I wanted to join and help out.”
A typical unified bowling team consists of two athletes and two unified partners, with each player taking turns bowling one frame at a time. By working in this way, athletes and partners learn from each other.
“I think just the environment in the bowling alley and the kids, there’s really no barriers when they interact with their peers and with kids from other schools,” Assistant Coach Christine Hammers said. “It’s just a happy environment.”
Unified bowling goes beyond the sport itself. For many athletes, it’s a chance to build friendships and feel a sense of belonging. On the team, differences are embraced, and everyone collaborates to reach shared goals in a supportive environment.
“Just to see that inclusion among the athletes and partners, well, that’s perfect,” Hammers said. “The kids do get competitive with each other, but for the most part, it’s just a good time.”
Within the lanes of competition, Gretna’s unified bowlers find opportunities for personal growth and resilience. Collaboration and mutual support drive the spirit of unified sports, helping participants exceed expectations and achieve more than others might anticipate.
“Unified bowling shows others that kids who are different can still do the things everybody else can,” Reiser said. “They don’t have to second-guess themselves and their abilities.”
Though Gretna may not be the top team yet, their continued improvement highlights the real success they’re finding: teamwork, inclusion, and the opportunity to challenge expectations, one frame at a time.
“We really bring everybody together and show other schools what we can do,” Conn said. “It’s a space where everybody can thrive, no matter what.”
