One Team, One Dream

by Maya Warrier (‘28) & Nithya Warrier (‘28)

Recently, the South Brunswick High School Unified Vikings basketball team played its first game against Monroe. Unfortunately, they lost with a score of 20-32. However, the purpose of the game is what makes it vital to the community. 

The Unified basketball team joins people with and without disabilities to play on the same court. The purpose of the program is to promote acceptance and inclusion within the school community. 

Coaches and physical education teachers Mr. Craig Schwartz and Ms. Kacy Kelly work together to create an amazing experience for the players.  Their job is to teach the players about the game and ensure the players enjoy their time on the court. 

Coach Schwartz said, “Everybody deserves an opportunity to participate in these sports and activities…They just do things a little differently, and need a little more assistance, competing, or practicing or playing.”

Unified sports have recently begun rising in popularity. In fact, an estimated 300-400 students have been showing up to the games at SBHS according to Coach Schwartz.

 However, supporters say they are still not talked about enough. Programs like these are important to unite our community by allowing students with disabilities to feel a sense of belonging. 

Assistant Coach Kelly said, “Out of every part of this, the most important for me is watching them light up on the court and having the crowd and the stands cheer for them.”  

Many of the players don’t get chances like this where so many people are there just to support, and cheer them on.

According to research, about 82% of students who participate in Unified Sports have reported that their self-esteem improved because of it. Additionally, many coaches have noticed that their players gradually get more confident in their social skills as they continue to participate in the season. 

While this program has a massive impact on the players, it also affects the coaches. Both Coach Schwartz and Coach Kelly agreed that the number one thing they have learned from their experience coaching is patience. 

Coach Schwartz said, “Coach Kelly takes care of so much of figuring out new days for practice, or confirmation of all the things that go into this. But patience I think is number one.” 

While the coaches are a big part of the success of the team, it is also important to acknowledge the hard work the volunteers put into it. They are the people who are able to communicate and relate to the players, contributing a big part of the success of the team.

Coach Kelly said, “Not many people know about this population at the high school, so it’s nice to see that they’re able to make those connections with some peers.” 

Additionally, they help lighten the workload for the coaches. These volunteers have allowed the Unified Vikings program to grow bigger every year. 

In fact, Unified Sports has even gotten its own section in the Olympics. The Special Olympics include basketball, bocce, bowling, soccer, golf, tennis, volleyball, flag football, softball, track & field, and more. Moreover, nearly 4 million athletes participate in unified sports annually. These games typically take place in early June. 

Ultimately, this club not only has a huge impact on the players, but also educates people about a different part of the SBHS community that they wouldn’t otherwise know.