Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School welcomed nearly 120 athletes and partners for its third annual Unified Sports Tournament.
The event, which was held on the morning of Thursday, May 8, is described as a celebration of inclusion, teamwork, sportsmanship and school pride.
Unified Sports is a branch of the Special Olympics that brings together students with intellectual disabilities, who are referred to as "athletes," and neurotypical students, who are referred to as "partners," to compete side by side.
"Together, these students are playing basketball and bean bag (throw)," said Hayley Goring, a teacher at Lindsay Thurber.
"This (event) gives students the opportunity for our students to wear their school's colours. We have so many amazing things going on in our school. This helps give all of our kids a place to shine. It also helps with building connections with kids in our schools. Our partners have volunteered and chose to be here and they're all so lovely and helping everyone feels like they're part of the school community."
The basketball games follow a three-on-three format, with two athletes and one partner on the court at all times. Bean bag throw teams are made up of one athlete and one partner.
"We're very thankful for the support from Special Olympics Alberta, as well as our school district and school for allowing us to have this opportunity for our athletes," said Goring.
Students from Lindsay Thurber, Hunting Hills High School, École Secondaire Notre Dame High School and Bentley School participated in the Unified Sports Tournament
This June, some Lindsay Thurber teachers have been invited to compete in the Special Olympics Ontario School Championships, Goring noted.
"Alberta was invited to send two teams. We applied and were chosen to participate," said Goring.
"We get to take four athletes, two partners and two teachers to Ottawa from June 2-5."
