April is Autism Acceptance Month, and there is no better way to come together than playing on the same team.
The Unified Sports tournament took place on Wednesday, April 22 at John F. Kennedy High School (JFK). This exciting day was an opportunity for Unified Sports teams within DPS to compete against each other, while spreading sportsmanship and inclusion. At Denver Public Schools, our schools are prestigious for how we model justice, collaboration and integrity — the Unified Sports tournament demonstrates the DPS commitment to equitable and well-rounded education and activities for all students.
Ezra, a JFK freshman, wasn’t sure about playing soccer, at first. Once he saw how many students came to compete, he put on his jersey and joined his fellow Commanders on the field.
“Today, I scored three in a row,” Ezra enthusiastically boasted. He said his favorite part of the day was “helping out the team and, you know, beating up on Lincoln,” which is JFK’s rival high school just a few miles down the road.
Unified Sports isn’t just the name of the game; it is an opportunity for students with and without intellectual disabilities to play together while developing friendship, understanding and social inclusion.
This Special Olympics program is important to Anthony, a JFK senior, who emphasizes the love and joy sports can bring. JFK even created a specialized gym class for Anthony to support students with intellectual disabilities.
“I just enjoy spreading joy and love, and making sure all the kids have fun,” Anthony said.
During JFK’s graduation ceremony, Anthony is walking across the stage with Carlos and Vanessa, two seniors in his gym class.
“Everybody feels like they’re important on the team,” observed Hannah Lynch, a 1:1 paraprofessional for JFK’s Multi-Intensive Severe Autism class. “There’s lots of fun energy out here today.”
Hannah, a JFK alumni, remembers her time in high school as an inclusive and supportive environment. Her dad taught at JFK for years as well, and she strives to bring that same experience for the students she works with.
Unified Sports demonstrates the fact that we are all on the same team. By sharing wins and losses, competing together and feeling the energy of a sports game, we start to understand we are much more alike than we may think.