Students and staff praise Unified Sports program for inclusion and confidence-building

Several students, staff and program supporters addressed the Tolleson Union High School District governing board to describe the district's Unified Sports and Special Olympics activities and their effect on student confidence, social skills and inclusion.

Speakers said the program gives students with and without disabilities opportunities to participate in team sports and activities they otherwise might not experience. "The benefits of Unified Sports are social participation and the exposure to new activities," a program speaker said during the board meeting. "When we build our equipment and our kids who can't typically participate are able to do something independently, the joy that they get from doing the activity for the first time is incredible."

Students described initial shyness and then growing confidence as they learned skills and connected with peers. "I didn't really like playing in front of people in the beginning because I thought I wasn't good at it. And then once I got used to it ... I'm comfortable playing with other people," a student speaker said. Another student said the program helped them "learn social skills with different people" and called Unified Sports "one of the greatest programs that high schools can offer."

Program supporters told the board the district recently planned districtwide Unified events and that the Special Olympics model helps both athletes and partners develop friendships and leadership skills. The speakers urged the board to continue supporting and expanding Unified classes and after-school opportunities.

The remarks were part of the board's meeting agenda items and were presented prior to policy and budget discussions.

Board members received the comments and did not take formal action during that segment; the speakers asked the board to continue support for inclusive athletics programs and district events.