The DHS Unified Sports team participated in their first track and field event at Fairfield Ludlowe High School recently, competing against seven other area schools. Led by Coach and DHS staffer Paul Brager, the team (pictured above) participated in a variety of events, including: 2 x 25, 2 x 50, 4 x 100, 4 x 200 meter relays, turbo javelin, shot put, tennis ball throw, long jump, and running long jump.
“We competed side by side with other teams for the races, but then traveled as an individual team where all students participated in the throwing and jumping events,” said Brager. “The Ludlowe meet was our only track event and all athletes were recognized for their athletic accomplishments.”
Unified Sports brings together individuals with and without disabilities to inspire inclusion and respect for everyone on and off the field. It is a program that combines approximately equal numbers of athletes with and without a disability on sports teams for training and competition. Through Special Olympics Connecticut’s partnership with the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC), Special Olympics Unified Sports is offered in more than 245 elementary, middle and high schools across the state.