MONROE, Conn. — Unified Sports basketball teams from Masuk and Newtown high schools played a game in the Masuk gym Wednesday afternoon, while cheering for every basket — from swishes in hoops at regulation height to some dunks into the lower baskets. It was a day of smiles, high fives and sportsmanship with medals awarded to all.
Unified athletes are students with special needs, each paired up with a student partner at games and practices. No score was kept in Wednesday’s game, because it was level 3, which is noncompetitive.
“It’s all about inclusion, teamwork and having fun,” Masuk Head Coach Donald Casey Jr. said.
“It’s good working with people and friends,” said Koy Maitlan, a Masuk freshman and Unified Sports athlete.
Emily Clark, a Masuk junior, is enjoying her first year as a partner.
“I like it because it’s a very fun experience,” she said. “The people are welcoming and it’s a nice program. It’s a great way to get to know people.” Of the athletes who play Unified Sports, Clark said, “I feel it’s one of their best accomplishments.”
The Newtown team was led by Head Coach Kimya Knecht, of Monroe, whose son, Elijah, 18, a Masuk senior, plays for the Panthers, and Assistant Coach Becky Miles.
“We love working with Masuk,” Miles said. “Don Casey is one of the nicest guys, so accommodating and full of energy.”
For Newtown’s athletes, Miles said, “it’s the highlight of their day. It’s the highlight of their year.”
Knecht stood behind the basket on one side of the court to watch one of her players shoot as his teammates chanted his name.
She said, “it’s pretty special to be able to come and play with my Newtown team that I love so much, and watching my son play for Masuk. I think Unified is the most important thing I do.”
Knecht touts the meaningful relationships students make through the program, which lead to friends waving to each other in school hallways and seeing each other outside of school.
“The partners get as much out of it as the athletes do,” she said.
After Wednesday’s event ended, the players met in the middle of the court to shake hands and say, “good game.”
Newtown huddled together for their school cheer. Then Casey told the visitors to see how the Panthers do theirs.
While talking to his team after the game, Casey said, “well done everybody. Well played. I’m so proud of you. You’re the best United Sports team in the world. Be amazing every day.”
Medals Ceremony:
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