Lenape High School recently hosted Seneca High School for a Unified Basketball game that was packed with students and community members.
Unified Sports is an inclusive program that brings student-athletes of all abilities together, allowing those with and without intellectual disabilities to compete on the same team.
Within the Lenape district, 118 players participate in more than 50 interscholastic basketball competitions statewide, where they not only engage in sports, but also build meaningful friendships and promote social inclusion. Unified Sports is designed to enhance the physical fitness and sports skills of all participants while fostering a sense of community.
By encouraging mutual respect and understanding, the program helps break down stereotypes and challenge perceptions on and off the field. It blends sports with building bridges between individuals, improving social attitudes, and creating connections among teammates and peers.
Unified Sports is recognized as a key part of the Lenape district’s Points of Pride. Every year, students from the district’s Adult Program (TAP) – on behalf of Special Olympics New Jersey – attend Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., to advocate for national Unified Sports programs in schools and engage with state and national legislators to share their insights on them. Students have met with senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim.
The students also highlighted the friendships and leadership skills gained through Unified Sports and emphasized the need for continued support and funding.
“(Unified sports is) great for our community to be able to come out and support all of our students as they show what they can do on the court and have a great time while doing so,” explained Lenape’s athletic director, Brian Laddey, in an interview with Lenape Digital Media, the high-school’s television production program.
Seneca High’s Unified Basketball coach Anthony Diorio noted how the program offers all players on the team an opportunity.
“It’s a chance to give the spotlight to some people who may not get it all the time,” he offered. “This is like the Super Bowl for our Unified athletes, and it’s a great experience.”
While Lenape’s team ultimately bested Seneca 64-58, the score wasn’t the focus.
“I love that the students are able to participate and have an opportunity to showcase their skill set in basketball and just come together as one with everyone a part of the Unified program,” said Lenape High Principal Tony Cattani. “A lot of sports and clubs bring people together, and this is just another example of that.”
The game can be viewed in its entirety on the Lenape District Television YouTube Channel. To learn more about the Unified program, visit www.lrhsd.org.
