As winter sports come to an end, our Unified Basketball Team had the opportunity to advance to and compete in districts this past weekend, Saturday, Feb 8, at Prarie High School. They showcased their strengths in teamwork, community, and determination.
Unified Basketball allows students with intellectual disabilities to compete in friendly competition with partners (students without disabilities) giving them a supportive environment and inclusive environment where they can build their confidence and develop new skills. The team also allows for partners to learn and grow throughout their time in high school as well. “It has allowed me to become more open-minded and for me to see everyone as an individual and not make assumptions,” partner and senior Clara Kapelka remarks, “it has changed my outlook on life in a very positive way.”
Though the Unified Club is year-round, Unified Basketball began in mid-November. The team focused on strategies rooted in ideals of social inclusion and community leading them through a successful and remarkable season. The exciting season eventually led to this past weekend when Unified Basketball competed in districts where the A-Team competed in a closely matched game for State against Battle Ground, where they narrowly lost by 3 points resulting in placing third overall. Although it was not the result the team had hoped for, “cheering on the athletes that were so timid at the beginning of the season and seeing them make free-throw and three-point shots on the court during the game is always the most rewarding feeling,” said Unified Club President and junior Aubrey Grier, “way beyond making districts or state or getting any sort of medal”.
The Unified Basketball Team’s journey to districts has been a testament to their power of teamwork and inclusion. This club not only provides a competitive platform but also fosters an important sense of belonging and inclusivity for all its members. “The experiences I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned are incomparable, and something I will always recommend and encourage others to try out,” suggested Aubrey Grier. We will continue to celebrate the accomplishments of the Unified Club and look forward to the Youth Leadership Conference at the end of the month where Aubrey Grier will be representing Prairie in Wenatchee for Unified Basketball State and the upcoming Unified Soccer season.
