Sioux Falls School District to host Unified Sports jamboree Friday at Lincoln High

Drake Bachmeier, a teacher at Lincoln High School and the district’s Unified basketball and cheer coach, told the board the Sioux Falls School District Unified Games — a district-wide inclusive sports jamboree — will be held Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Lincoln High School.

Bachmeier said the Unified program pairs athletes with and without intellectual differences on the same teams to promote social inclusion, leadership and friendship. Activities at the event will include a basketball game, show choir and cheerleading. "On Friday, we have our unified games, essentially our Super Bowl. It's a jamboree of all the Sioux Falls School Districts. So we're celebrating inclusion, throughout the district," Bachmeier said.

Bachmeier noted the team began about four or five years ago and that other schools in the district, including Roosevelt, Jefferson and Washington, have similar teams. He said the teams have had unique opportunities this year, including playing host to an Augustana University team earlier in the season and attending area and state meets.

Board members praised the event and invited media coverage. One board member called the Unified Games one of the most fun events of the year and encouraged as much media attention as possible because the gym is full and the atmosphere is celebratory. The board did not take formal action; the announcement served as a recognition and promotion of the upcoming event.