Unified Bocce Recognized as Official School Sport by PEI School Athletics Association

December 10, 2025

Following a successful Pilot during the 2024-2025 school year, Special Olympics PEI is thrilled to celebrate that Unified Bocce has been recognized as a Official School Sport by the PEI School Athletics Association!

Special Olympics Unified Sports is an inclusive sport program that brings athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together for competition. In Unified Sports programs, there are a comparable number of athletes with and without intellectual disability on the court/field at the same time. The implementation of a Unified Sport program is meant to create an environment of ‘Meaningful Competition’ wherein the focus in on creating a balanced competitive environment so that athletes can focus on competing to the best of their ability against evenly matched opponents. 

As Chair of the PEI School Athletic Association, I’m proud to see Unified Bocce move from a pilot to an official school sport. Island students have embraced this program with heart, teamwork, and enthusiasm—plus the occasional mascot dance-off. This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with Special Olympics PEI and ensures inclusive sport continues to grow across the Island.

Joel Arsenault, PEI School Athletics Association

Special Olympics PEI first introduced Unified Bocce in 2017. The vision for a Special Olympics Unified Event began following the success of SO Fun Days, inclusive sport fairs, hosted by Special Olympics PEI each Fall. The goal was to offer an inclusive competitive opportunity for High School students.

From our initial planning meeting with school champions back in 2017, to now being recognized as an Official School Sport - what a journey this has been. To see our goal of quality competition with Qualifiers and a Provincials Champions come to life is truly something to celebrate. Beyond that, to see Unified Sport on the same playing field, thanks to the tremendous support from the PEI School Athletics Association, furthers our mission of true inclusion.

Sarah Profitt - Wagner, Special Olympics PEI

Being named an Official School Sport was an important step for Special Olympics PEI. With this recognition, Unified Bocce is similar to any other school sport offered. Schools are required to complete a Skills Competition, and are strongly encouraged to practice in the lead up to competitions. Each school attends a Qualifier event, and then has the opportunity to compete at the Special Olympics Unified Bocce Provincial Championships. At the Provincial Championships winning school receive PEISAA medals, and the Top School is presented with the official PEISAA Unified Bocce Banner.

The 2025-2026 Unified Bocce Provincial Championships are being hosted on December 17, 2025. This year's Provincials will see 7 High School, and 31 Unified Bocce teams compete.