Inclusion Through Unified Sports

Image description: The John Stark Unified Track and Field Team posing on the track after their first meet of the season. 

    Unified Sports create the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to connect with their peers on the athletic playing surface and are an excellent demonstration of inclusion. Unified Sports teams are composed of athletes with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their peers, fulfilling the role of Unified Partners. These teams can be found within large organizations such as the Special Olympics, at recreation centers, and in many high schools. The high school that I attended, John Stark Regional High School located in Weare, NH has two seasons of Unified Sports: basketball in the winter and outdoor track and field in the spring. While in high school I took the opportunity to become involved with both of these teams in the role of a Unified Partner, as athletics and inclusion are two things that I am very passionate about. Through my participation I got to see a different side of the high school athletic environment. This environment was built on positivity and everyone there truly wanted all their teammates and even competitors to succeed. The Unified Sports teams at John Stark foster friendships, teach our community the power of inclusion and give students with disabilities a platform to feel seen and valued.

    The John Stark Generals Unified Track and Field Team had a great season this Spring. As a newer team this was the Generals’ first season in which they attended the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) State Meet. The Generals’ had many great performances throughout the season and the athletes and partners consistently achieved personal bests with each meet. I asked some of the team members to speak on their experience this season and I want to share some of the highlights with you! 
 
    Athlete Nolan Nelson competed in the 100 meter dash, the long jump, and was the first leg in the 4X100 meter relay. He shared that his favorite event was the “100 meter dash”. Nolan said,
“I like how all of the people are kind, nice, and respectful.” He agreed that participating in Unified Sports has given him more opportunities to spend time with his friends in addition to helping him make new friends. 
 
    Jayson Young, an athlete on the team, found success in throwing the shot put this season. Jayson placed 4th in a pool of 62 athletes at the NHIAA Unified State Meet. Jayson said, “[While being on the team] you get to have a lot of fun, you get to talk with people and do all of the things you like: running, jumping, and throwing.”
 
    Athlete Nathan Morse is a jack of all trades. Nate competed in both the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash. He also long jumped, threw the shot put, and was the anchor for the Generals' 4x100 meter relay team. Nate said, “My favorite part was seeing all of my friends and doing all of the events…I feel included when I get to do unified basketball and unified track.”
 
    Two of the team’s Unified Partners wanted to share some of the things that make this team special. Sean Crean said, “I get to hang out with people who I don’t typically hang out with during the school day”. Stephen Johnston gave a shout out to the team’s coach, Coach Anderson. He appreciated how “Mrs. Anderson wanted everyone to have fun all while learning a little bit about track and field”. 
 
    Joining a Unified Sports team like the one at John Stark is just one of the many ways you can promote inclusion, establish friendships and make memories. A big congratulations to the Generals on their successful season and thank you to all of the athletes and partners who shared a bit about their experience!

In friendship,
Izabel Korbet
YLC Member, New Hampshire