Unified Sports is a program that allows students with special accommodations and needs to participate in athletics. This program is a nationwide school club and was established in 2008. At WHS, the program competes against other local schools where students are given a positive space to compete. The program has a variety of games including basketball, soccer, track and bowling. Staff members and student mentors assist these games. These programs have helped all students feel included and develop lasting relationships during their time in the program.
“I love the sports team [because] I love being with my friends and having everyone watch me play and celebrate like my favorite player Ronaldo,” said Unified Sports player Jose Torres ‘26.
The Unified Sports program also has a counterpart named Sparkles where cheer and dance team members coach LEAP students through their respective positions.
“My favorite part of Unified Sports is Sparkles [because] I love cheering on my friends and making them feel good when my family comes to watch, ” said LEAP member Bella Hall ‘26.
Aside from solely sports, Unified Sports trains students in many different facets of life including sportsmanship and helping members understand boundaries.
“Unified Sports has done a lot for helping the LEAP students understand how to interact with the world around them and teaches them the importance of understanding how to work with others,” said Unified Sports helper Zach Pancratz ‘26.
Unified Sports not only teaches the students who are involved in it but also the helpers. These helpers learn how to take care of people and help teach LEAP members through challenges.
“I have learned from other staff members about how to treat and interact with these kids, pacing them at levels where they can learn things,” said Pancratz. ”[This experience] has not only helped the students but has also taught me how to interact with others better and be more understanding.”
Unified Sport’s last home game was a basketball game against NPHS on Mar. 4. WHS students were given an opportunity to watch the LEAP game and see the Unified Members perform with Sparkles and play basketball. Supportive accommodations include student mentors to assist LEAP members with the game.
“Sports have always been a big part of my life, and I joined this club to help all kids feel included because these kids often don’t have the same opportunities as others,” said Unified Sports Club President Ethan Karkoon ‘26. ”Giving these students a chance to do something that they would never be able to do outside of this makes me really happy.”
Unified Sports has various practices weekly with many events including bowling and a first time Media Day. For many the most important part of the program was not the games but the bonding that happens weekly during various events.
“[My favorite part of the Unified Sports Program is] playing every week with my friends,” said Unified Sports member Alexia Johnson ‘28.
For many helpers this club is more than something for a resume or a college application, but a way to make a genuine positive impact in the world and bond with their classmates.
“Sports is something that has helped me get through hard times in my life, and that’s something I want provided for everyone,” said Karkoon.
