The Special Olympics Club and Partners PE hosted the Allegheny County Bocce Tournament today in the Baldwin gym.

Participating were teams from Mt. Lebanon, Moon, Avonworth, Carlynton, Elizabeth Forward and Baldwin.

Elizabeth Forward won the competition and will move on to states in Hershey. Baldwin won states last year, but students said the competition was not the main purpose of the event.

Senior Adia Achtzehn said the tournament was a good way to give back.

“I like being part of a team that makes everyone feel equal,” she said.

The setup of the tournament is key to its success, Achtzehn said.

“Bocce is important because it puts people with disabilities and without disabilities on the same team and let’s everyone play at an equal level,” she said.

Junior Gehrig Hutchison agreed.

“It’s competitive and it’s a good way to interact with other schools,” Hutchison said.