Teamwork, intensity and fun could be seen in a photo highlighting what is a winning effort. All those ingredients were so apparent in an event preceding a recent Dunkirk-Fredonia boys basketball game as part of a celebration for Unified Sports.

Led by the booming voice of Dunkirk student-athlete Mekiah Sedlacek, his words were met with just as much applause: “We’re all best friends here!” Sedlacek followed his speech to the packed gym by revealing the gym’s newest banner to highlight Dunkirk’s commitment to inclusive sports as a National Unified Champion School through Special Olympics.

Unified sports are an inclusive athletic experience where athletes with intellectual disabilities are partnered with athletes of similar age or ability as part of the same team. Unified sports are fostered by Special Olympics to disprove stereotypes about people with disabilities. According to Special Olympics, approximately 1.2 million people worldwide take part in Unified sports.

Schools across the region, and those involved, have embraced the competition that includes athletic events of bowling and basketball. The game is second nature. It’s the camaraderie and friendship that come through for everyone who participates or is in attendance at these events.

That banner evening was a special night for Dunkirk. Let’s hope more schools in our region are able to have an unforgettable experience such as this.