This year the first season of Unified basketball at Lincoln-Sudbury High School commenced thanks to many LS students, staff, and LS’s Athletic Director Dan Lee. The program allows students in the Special Education program (Unified participants) to play on the same team with athletes from L-S (mentors). There was a constant ratio of three Unified participants to two mentors on the court. As a player on the team, I was a mentor led by our head coaches Howie Landau and MaryAnn Grady along with several other faculty members present to help the program run smoothly.
The experience was deeply moving for all involved. After interviewing parents, participants, and faculty members, everyone agreed this was one of the most gratifying sports experiences. The joy and elation of the Special Ed students was fostered by the crowd and mentors creating a synergistic and uplifting experience for those present. This program was impactful because it created a safe environment for students with disabilities to participate and thrive on an official sports team with peers and student mentors. Coach MaryAnn Grady said, “The Unified team is the most inclusive experience in all my 22 years at L-S. It was the most successful activity because the mentors were amazing and treated [the Special Ed students] like teammates”.
The endeavor was also beneficial as it allowed Unified participants to gain more confidence in themselves and enhance their social and communication skills. Mentors were stirred by the unabashed jubilation of the Unified participants and were inspired to be present and express joy more freely in their daily lives.
Coach Howie shared, “I was incredibly honored and excited to be a part of the first Unified basketball team at L-S. Unified brought out the best [in] our school community. We had some amazing [mentors] who helped to make the team feel exactly like any other varsity sport, and some talented [Unified participants] who got the chance to showcase their skills in front of [some] great crowds. The team continued to improve and there were some great friendships and bonds formed. It was an amazing experience for all involved!”
Practices were always graced with happy smiles and giggles after a long day of school. Our first home game was memorable because it was officiated by Superintendent Stephens. The fall sports teams came to show their support, including the cheer team who performed at halftime. The stands were packed with parents, students, and faculty members. The crowd and participants cheered for the entirety of the game because every play was passionate and important to the players. I can attest that the crowd went wild when David did his signature between-the-legs cross and when Rory performed some dance moves to celebrate a made shot. After that big opening game, the team went on to play several away games against Unified teams in other towns, and the crowds were equally supportive. No matter what town we traveled to, or what the score was, everyone felt like a winner. Great memories were established with the Unified team and I know I (along with my other team members) can’t wait to make more memories next season.
