For the athletes stepping out onto the basketball court, it is not just about playing a game they love, but a moment to shine for their community. Special Olympics and Unified Sports offer a way for students of all abilities to play a game that teaches them much more than just a sport.
An adaptive Physical Education teacher for over 22 years, Mr. Greg Wolfe, teaches at Woodgrove, Loudoun Valley, and Round Hill Elementary. He has always loved seeing students join Unified Sports and become peers to the athletes involved in Special Olympics. Wolfe described the importance of teaching the athletes life skills through the sports they play. “I help them to work on problem solving, working with other students and peers, and enjoying games, but also understanding that not everything always goes your way, and peers have really helped them with that,” Wolfe explained.
The upcoming basketball tournament for Special Olympics will be hosted on January 31, from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Wolfe expressed, “We want fans in the stands, so if anyone wants to come by and cheer on the tournament, then we’d love to have you.”
Allyson Amponsa, a senior that has been an athlete in Unified and Special Olympics, loves to play and cheer on her teammates. “They support me and I support them. I tell everyone good job and give high fives,” she commented.
Peers to the athletes offer encouragement and support, but also build relationships with each student. Senior Josie Yurish has been involved in Unified Sports since her freshman year. She stated, “My favorite part about being involved in Unified Sports is definitely the personal relationships I’ve gained with the students. They are so important to me, and I could not imagine high school without them.”
Having been around Unified Sports activities her whole life, Senior Charlotte Roth decided to join the program at Woodgrove this year. “My brother is one of the athletes, so I see myself as being a supporter in his life within the activity, but also at home. I also see myself being a good friend and role model for the other athletes,” Roth expressed.
Some peers joined Unified Sports because they had friends in the program. Senior Mary Grace Clegg has been a part of Unified Sports and Special Olympics for the past two years. She noted, “As a peer, we get to help the athletes find a love for the sports they are playing and have fun. I have also been able to foster many friendships with the athletes.”
Special Olympics events are memorable for the athletes because of the community that shows up to support. Clegg commented, “It is important for the community to come and support the athletes because it is such a fulfilling activity to be a part of, and the athletes love to be cheered on and appreciated.” Yurish added, “It is important for the community to come and support the athletes because it is a good way to easily give back to the community. It makes the students feel special, and I also think it benefits us because you can feel the joy of the athletes when they make a basket or score.”
There is a lasting impact that is left on each athlete involved in Special Olympics that goes beyond just the sport itself. Clegg explained, “Special Olympics helps with [the athlete’s] confidence, love for sports, and social skills. It provides them an opportunity for personal growth and an environment to improve…Outside of sports I try to help the athletes have a sense of inclusion, confidence, and social skills.” Roth added, “These events allow the athletes to feel a sense of belonging and show to the community the importance of inclusion.”
Wolfe loves the feeling in the gym during the basketball season for Unified and Special Olympics. “If you come to the scrimmages or games, you would see all the parents, and the whole community come together. It is a highlight of the year. The athletes get so excited about playing and it leaves everyone with goosebumps. It is a really good feeling,” he described. The events hosted by Special Olympics offer an opportunity to build friendships, bring the community together, and let the athletes know that with big hearts and smiles, everyone can be a winner on the court and in life.