11-01-2023 7:41pm

28th Annual Soccer Pumpkin Bowl

On Monday Oct. 30 at Franklin High, Allied Soccer teams from various schools in Baltimore County participated in the 28th annual pumpkin bowl.

Dulaney, Franklin, Hereford, Towson, Lansdowne, New Town, Dundalk, Woodlawn, Kenwood, Chesapeake, Owings Mills and Parkville took to the field at 4 P.M to compete against each other in three 15-minute games. All teams ran under an inflatable tunnel to cheer for one another, followed by the national anthem to commemorate the start of the games. Franklin High also warmly welcomed all athletes by providing food and drinks during warm-ups. Mid-tournament at 6 P.M the games were cut short due to the heavy rain and thunder. No winners were declared, but Dulaney took the lead in the regular season winning the Western Division in Baltimore County.

However, the Allied sports program does not focus on winning, but instead encourages healthy competition for students with disabilities. Based off of the Special Olympics’ 'Unified Sports" program, Allied sports serves as an inclusive program for students with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to participate in athletics, along-side their non-disabled peers. Volunteers in this program intend to improve the athletes physical fitness, assist them in forming new relationships, and boost their self-esteem.

Natalie Albergo, a four season volunteer at Dulaney High, describes what allied sports mean to her. “Unity, making friendships between the athletes and the buddies; teamwork; and school spirit…I have made lots of good friendships with the athletes,” says Albergo.

The Allied program offers additional sports besides soccer during the school year; bowling in the winter and softball in the spring. All games are co-ed and have specific modifications to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants, despite their restraints.