Students
of
all
abilities
recently
participated
in
a
unified
basketball
tournament
as
part
of
the
Special
Olympics
Unified
Sports
and
P.E.
program
in
PWCS
high
schools.
The
Unified
Sports
program
is
an
active
and
educational
experience
providing
a
unique
opportunity
for
students
of
all
abilities
to
come
together
in
a
sport.
Health
and
physical
education
and
special
education
teachers
from
across
the
county
teach
and
coach
students
to
prepare
for
the
tournament.
In
addition
to
providing
the
opportunity
for
students
to
compete,
participation
in
Unified
Sports
creates
a
team
camaraderie
among
students
and
strengthens
the
belief
that
they
are
all
in
this
together.
This
initiative
is
one
of
many
strategies
in
place
in
PWCS
to
foster
strong
connections
between
students
and
provide
a
welcoming
environment
that
is
inclusive
to
all.
Through
the
students'
participation,
it
creates
a
strong
sense
of
belonging
for
all
students
involved,
as
well
as
the
mindset
that
they're
united
and
share
a
common
interest
in
their
love
for
sports.
"Being
involved
in
Unified
Sports
and
P.E.
has
been
an
incredible
way
to
become
friends
with
so
many
amazing
students
in
Battlefield's
program
for
students
with
special
needs.
Everybody
in
my
P.E.
class
contributes
something
different,
making
it
a
great
atmosphere,"
shared
Callie
Curtis,
a
senior
at
Battlefield
High
School.
Krista
Link,
health
and
P.E.
teacher,
and
Unified
Sports
coach
at
Battlefield
High,
explained,
"The
relationships
and
friendships
that
I
watch
develop
each
year
will
hold
a
special
place
in
the
hearts
of
all
the
participants
throughout
their
lives.
These
are
friendships
that
may
have
never
had
that
chance
to
materialize
without
this
program.
The
impact
on
both
general
education
and
special
education
students
is
profound
and
inspiring
for
everyone
involved
in
the
program."
Opportunities
to
play
in
a
unified
tournament
would
not
be
possible
without
the
teachers,
coaches,
and
administrators
supporting
and
working
for
this
initiative
to
provide
an
environment
that
is
inclusive
and
encourages
the
well-being
of
all
students.
Students
will
prepare
and
participate
in
unified
track
and
field
events
this
spring.
