Six hundred students competed in the third annual Lebo Legacy Games at Mt. Lebanon High School today. The gymnasium was packed with bocce players, many dressed in festive team costumes, who loudly cheered on their teammates. Participation — and students’ intensity for the event — has doubled since the inaugural games in 2023, said Brittany Tonkavich, student activities director.
Lebo Legacy Games is a way for students to unwind before winter break with a sport that almost anyone can play. Class of 2024 students CJ Korowicki and Teba Latef first reimagined the school’s traditional spirit day [1] — which featured high intensity sports and teams divided by elementary schools — with the addition of bocce and inclusion of students in the Life Skills Program.
Many students are familiar with bocce already, as Mt. Lebanon High School hosts a popular Unified Bocce team. Spots on the team are limited with a long waitlist to join, according to senior Madelaine Whalen, Unified Bocce team player and the president of LeboSTARS, a student organization where disabled and non-disabled are paired for social activities.
Whalen said her favorite part of the Lebo Legacy Games is “seeing everyone be so involved with bocce. It’s an amazing sport, but it also has an awesome symbolism: it’s a Special Olympics sport.” Worldwide, the Special Olympics allows athletes of all abilities to compete in various sports and showcase their talents.
Six students organized this year’s Lebo Legacy Games, said co-head planner Caroline Rost. “We make sure all the brackets are worked out, handle the sign-ups, and make sure everyone is having a fun time,” Rost said.
The games started at 9:30 a.m. and players competed in a bracket-style tournament until it’s whittled down to the top two. Adam Crowley, host and producer on 93.7 The Fan, did live announcing for the final matchup. He and his wife, Leanna, are both alumni and parents of current Lebo students.
And the victorious team this year? 7 Ballerz!