The first year is in the books.
Nearly 50 students in Lincoln Park Public Schools threw their all into becoming one unified team that integrated students with and without developmental disabilities.
The Unified Sports bowling team competed against other unified leagues.
Organizers believe sports have the power to encourage inclusiveness and friendship among all students.
“Our program was inspired by a simple principle: Training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding,” said Nicole Chubb, LPPS special education director. “This is a truly amazing program that allows all students to experience the thrill of competition, teamwork and comradery before, during and after games. In many cases, this was the first time some of our parents were able to see their child participate in an organized sport.”
The bowling team was led this year by coaches Debbie Howell and Joe Szypula.
Lincoln Park has three Unified Sports teams and they are supported by grants from the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program.
“A big congratulations to our entire Unified Sports Bowling team for a successful first season and demonstrating what being a Railsplitter is all about,” said School Supt. Terry Dangerfield, Lincoln Park Public Schools superintendent. “Our Unified Sports teams are part of our continued efforts to promote inclusion and opportunities for all Railsplitters to succeed. We look forward to expanding our Unified Sports programs to even more students in the months and years ahead.”
According to school officials, the district joins more than 4,500 elementary, middle and high schools in the nation with Unified Sports teams, and more than 1.4 million people worldwide participating in the program.
Unified Sports teams are open to all boys and girls from Lincoln Park Middle School, High School and the Mixter Institute.
The students train and compete together on co-ed teams.
As this bowling season comes to an end, the students are preparing to tackle other sports.
They will compete in basketball and bocce ball in spring.
