Special Olympians in Bellerose are learning the true meaning of team work while playing bocce ball. NY1's Clodagh McGowan filed the following report.
Kathleen Maggi says some people are born to play bocce ball.
"It gets exciting, and I got great friends, and we all do a great job," said Maggi, a Fresh Meadows resident. "And plus, I'm Italian, so I'm used to playing bocce in my family."
Maggi plays bocce ball for the Cross Island YMCA's Special Olympics team.
"We work together by strategizing, talking about what we're going to do," she said.
The coaches are all volunteers. Many are parents of the players.
"I just enjoy being with them. They make me laugh when I've had a rough day. They make my day better. They're funny and they're really good athletes," said Theresa Maggi, a volunteer coach.
"A lot of these kids, unfortunately, they spend most of their time either in school or in therapy with doctors and all that. So, you know, here, they get a chance to get out, and they get to see other kids who have similar issues, similar problems. And they have fun, which is the most important thing," said Mike Beiner, a volunteer coach.
Right now, the Olympians are gearing up to head to the fall games next weekend, where they'll compete against other bocce teams from across the state.
"They're learning how to coach each other and to be supportive and work as a team. A lot of that is a new experience for them because a lot of the sports are more geared towards individuals," said Dana Feinberg, the executive director of the Cross Island YMCA.
"And that can transfer into life. What am I going to do and how am I going to do it when I come across a problem," Theresa Maggi said.
For the athletes, it's a lot more than just a game.
"Special Olympics means to me being with my friends, being part of something I can do," said Kimberly Lothian, a Special Olympian.
"So we can prove our self and play better we can," said Jonathan Beiner, a Special Olympian.
And while the sport can be challenging, being part of this team makes it all worthwhile.