AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine (WAGM) – The Maine Principals Association and Special Olympics Maine continue to partner on Unified Sports. Some schools around the State are sponsoring Unified Bocce, Volleyball, and Basketball teams. Mike Littlefield, the Director of Sports and Programs for Special Olympics Maine, says this has been a great partnership.
”The Unified Champions School program is huge here in Maine. Unified Basketball is the one we are trying to engage with everybody. We are in over 90 High Schools in the State of Maine and looking for it to grow even more here in Aroostook County. With all the High Schools getting unified programs up and going,” said Mike Littlefield.
There are currently four Unified Basketball teams in the County: Houlton, Presque Isle, Caribou and Madawaska all fielded teams last year. Unified Basketball partners students with developmental disabilities also known as Unified Student-Athletes with students without developmental disabilities known as Unified Student-Partners to train, compete, and represent their school. Unified Sports helps promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and social inclusion.
”As feel good as it is meaningful for the student-athletes. It gives the athletes of that age level the opportunity to get out on the court for basketball specifically and play. They want to compete just like they see their peers competing at the High School level,” said Littlefield.
The goal is to continue to increase the number of schools offering the program and Special Olympics Maine is offering some financial assistance.
”We provide funding for all incoming schools that want to start a program through the Special Olympics Maine website,” said Littlefield, “Any interest in joining the Unified program just reach out to us specifically.”
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