MONROE, CT — The Unified Sports program is in its ninth year at Jockey Hollow Middle School. Unified Sports is an inclusive program that unites Special Olympics athletes and partners as teammates for training and competition.
The program is led by Jennifer Fisher and Donald Casey Jr. Twenty-two students are currently members of the fall Unified Sports soccer team.
Each practice begins with a team meeting. Drills and skills are demonstrated and practiced in small groups consisting of a mixture of athletes and partners.
Newly acquired skills are applied to game-like situations during a scrimmage. The team concludes practice with a team cheer: “One two three, Go Lions!”
Safety is top priority during each practice. According to Head Coach Donald Casey Jr., “we are so proud of every athlete and partner on our team. Students are learning new skills, building friendships, working together as a team, and having fun.”
The Unified Sports soccer team will travel to Brookfield High School on Oct. 21 for a middle school soccer tournament starting at 3:30 p.m.
