Dancing. Friendship. Fun. In addition, there are memories that last a lifetime.

That’s what happens at just about every unified sporting event. Residents who have not attended a happening like this should do so at the next opportunity.

On Monday, a special ceremony involved team members and a gym full of classmates. At halftime of a Unified basketball assembly game between the Fredonia Hillbillies and the Silver Creek-Forestville Black Knights, Special Olympics of New York State recognized the Silver Creek Central School District as a National Banner School for its efforts with Unified sports.

“Today was electric, having the entire school here to witness how wonderful it feels to be a part of this team,” Black Knights head coach Jen Johnson said. “… The last three years being involved in this has been very special to me.”

Silver Creek is the second school in Chautauqua County to earn National Unified Champion School status, joining Dunkirk High School, which received its award earlier this year.

Speaking of the Marauders, they took part later in the afternoon against the Cassadaga Valley Cougars. In the south county, Jamestown played Southwestern in basketball.

Every contest includes excellent effort, sportsmanship and a couple of tears. It’s priceless — for the participants and the attendees.