BOUNTIFUL—Local basketball teams played against each other at Bountiful High School on Tuesday – but the games were a bit different. Athletes with and without intellectual disabilities took the floor not just for competition but friendship. The Special Olympics Unified Sports® event featured teams from across the Davis School District working together to break down barriers and foster inclusion.

 “Belonging is an essential component to student success and Unified Sports is a powerful way to unite students through shared experiences,” said Jodi Lunt, director of Davis Education Foundation. “When people of all abilities play together, hearts and minds are opened and we build a generation grounded in respect and inclusion.”

“What’s really rewarding is the camaraderie among the peers with the students,” said Mariah Campbell, Davis High School assistant coach. “The SBOs love to be part of it and some are on the team.”

The activities are not only in unified sports but the kids get together too, she said. “The friendships are not just at school. It brings so much spirit. They’re so excited to come and watch and support the kids. It brings out so much joy in the students.”

“I’m a Unified Sports Ambassador leader,” said Davis High junior, Xander Doser who was waiting anxiously for his game. “I officially started this year. I like meeting everybody. I’m a people person.”

Doser said he doesn’t play a certain position on the team. “I go where I’m needed. I just do my thing. I’ve made a lot of friends.”

“This is absolutely the best part of my job,” said Kim Johnson, Healthy Lifestyles supervisor in the Wellness Department. “I look forward to this day of unified sports. It’s stressful and hard work but it’s incredible to watch these students work together. The joy on their faces is unmatched.”

It’s amazing how the district has taken to it, she said. “They’ve worked with other schools and departments. It started with 15-16 teams and today we have 23. All of the high schools are represented.”

It’s a great opportunity for students to learn about meaningful teaching and inclusion, said Johnson. “It gives kids a place to belong and participate and feel successful no matter their abilities. It’s changing the culture and their lives.”

Johnson said students are included and not just on the court. “They have developed outside friendships. They get invited to dances, etc. Those are things that are making a difference.”

The coaches are incredible, she said. “They take this on and they’re incredibly dedicated to the students. We get support from the district administration and all of the other departments. We’re really, really lucky to have all of the support we do.”

One of the district directors told Johnson about a student who had gotten into trouble and had to do some service. “He worked with a student who had a disability and loved it,” she said. “It was totally different than he expected.”

A boy at Bountiful High with disabilities didn’t want to come to school, Johnson said. “He tried unified basketball and had success. He became a celebrity at school. It changed school for him.”

To watch the games and see the selflessness is amazing, she said. “The kids hand them the ball and let them shoot a basket. They make it all about their success. They’re part of something bigger than wins and losses.”