Students at Meridian High School (MHS) are breaking down stereotypes and creating a more accepting community through Unified Sports. Unified Sports, a program under the Special Olympics, unites students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. This fosters social inclusion through shared sports experiences, promoting friendship, understanding and respect among participants across all grade levels and backgrounds.
“Introducing Unified Sports at Meridian has been an incredible experience, creating opportunities for students who might not typically participate in athletics to enjoy the fun and camaraderie of being on the court and field,” said Athletic and Activities Director Bryant Michaelson. “Unified Basketball, our featured winter sport, exemplifies the very best of sports, leadership and teamwork in action.”
Unified Sports strives to reduce stigma and bullying by increasing acceptance of people of all abilities, providing opportunities for meaningful social interactions in schools and communities. MHS junior Olivia shared her positive experience. She joined the basketball team, the Laurel Valley Trojaneers, after playing on the Unified soccer team last year.
“It was a really good experience and really fun. It’s nice to be part of something that’s bigger than yourself and I made good relationships with other kids on the team,” Olivia said.
MHS sophomore Aaliyah enjoys helping her teammates and ensuring that everyone has fun.
“I like being out on the court and helping out, and making sure the kids get a chance to shoot the ball,” she said.
Special Education teacher Sara Meadows, who coaches the team with MHS art teacher Mike Holz, appreciates the collaborative nature of Unified Sports, emphasizing how being included in team activities builds a stronger sense of belonging at school.
“Students with disabilities don’t often get the opportunity to play sports, and that’s a whole part of the high school experience that they miss out on,” Meadows said. “What’s great about the Unified team is they get to be on a high school team but still get the accommodations or modifications they may need to make it more accessible.”
Typically, a basketball court features three athletes and two partners. Athletes are students with disabilities, while partners are students without disabilities. Partners can dribble, pass the ball, and block, but only athletes can score points. This means athletes and partners must work together to move down the court and set up scoring opportunities for athletes, building essential skills in communication and trust.
Michaelson often tells spectators that Unified Basketball represents the purest form of sport.
“Sportsmanship takes center stage, with high-fives, dancing, and smiles lighting up the court. The joy is contagious—athletes, coaches, and fans alike leave every game beaming with happiness. Time and again, I hear people say that Unified Basketball games are the highlight of their week—or even their winter season,” he said.
Through Unified Sports, participants not only enjoy the thrill of the game but also learn the values of teamwork. As athletes and partners continue to play and grow together, they pave the way for a more accepting and caring world, one game at a time.