Noah Blumberg, 21, loves to bowl and he’s become a standout member of the East Williston School District Unified Bowling team.
For the past three years, Noah has bowled alongside his brother Ethan on a team where students of all abilities play and learn together. Noah lives at the Children’s Residential Program in Lido Beach, and during the bowling season he enjoys sharing his favorite hobby as part of a team.“It’s been great to do something with him,” Ethan said. “I don’t always get to spend time with Noah, so it’s been great.”
In addition to playing on the team, Noah goes bowling with his roommates every Friday. When it’s his turn, he always impresses all those around him with his incredible aim and ability to knock down several pins at a time. While others play, he enjoys listening to the sounds of the bowling alley.
Noah’s mom, Kerrie, appreciates the opportunity to see her two sons play on the same team.
“I’m really grateful that the school district allowed him to be on this team, and I’m really happy that the staff at the house brings him here for it,” Kerrie said. “It’s been a really nice bonding experience for the two brothers.”
Kerrie explained that when she learned about the Unified teams, which brings together students of all abilities for a shared athletic experience, she reached out to the district’s athletic department to see if they’d welcome Noah to the team.
The district was happy to bring Noah on, and the CRP worked to make sure Noah could attend all the practices and tournaments.
“With bowling, the way it works is, on each lane you have an athlete, which is a student with a disability, and a partner, which is one of our students of the general education population, and what they do is they bowl,” said Coach Justin Portente.
The athletes and partners support and encourage each other during practices and games: cheering each other on, offering pointers, and fostering an inclusive, friendly environment.
“Our students are great because they want to make sure our school community is one where everybody feels included and welcomed,” Justin said. “You see it on display here, and you also see it on display in the school.”
Noah has become an integral part of East Williston’s team, always showing up ready to play.
“Noah’s great,” Justin said. “Noah’s form is fantastic. Noah is really good at bowling, and he really likes it. He’s a pleasure to have on the team. He’s really nice, and he works well with his team to put up the most points each week.”
Great job, Noah and Ethan! Keep up the good work.
