On Tuesday, Oct. 8, Miramonte’s Unified Sports team held a soccer game against Acalanes during lunch. The event drew a large crowd, with students and staff attending in support of both teams.
The match was part of the Unified Sports program, which brings students within special education and general education to compete alongside each other in sports. According to Miramonte Unified Sports, “Involvement in Unified Sports gives students the chance to work together in a fun and competitive environment that promotes community, connectivity, and collaboration.” This is Miramonte’s second year with the program.
Throughout the game, players from both schools showcased their energy, with partners encouraging and assisting their teammates. The Miramonte student section filled the bleachers with energy as goals were scored and high-fives were exchanged between the two schools. Miramonte’s sideline cheer team also appeared with their routines and pom-poms, rooting for Miramonte and Acalanes. Miramonte’s rally leaders Avrey Freer, Charlie Metherd, and Sawyer Bohlig started chants and cheers for both teams from the bleachers.
Miramonte’s Unified Sports program holds two practices a week that are 40-65 minutes long. The team competes against other Unified Partner schools in the Bay area. Sports include soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track in the spring.
“It’s not just about playing soccer, but about building connections and seeing everyone being included and having fun,” sophomore and Unified Sports Partner, Bryce Gordon said. “You can really feel the positivity and bond created between the players and partners every time we practice and play together.” Unified Sports provides partners to each student in the special education program to support them in participating in different sports and activities.
Many students gathered around the field to watch the match. Prior to the game, Miramonte’s rally leaders created posters and walked around the quad to encourage students to attend at the beginning of lunch. Several social media stories were posted by leadership spreading awareness of the event.
“It’s really cool to see students being supported and able to play the sports they love,” sophomore Bella Verrico said.
Miramonte states the goal of a supportive and equitable environment for all students. Unified Sports aligns with Miramonte’s mission, allowing a diversity of students to interact and work together. The program recognizes students from special education and gives an opportunity for them to take part in Miramonte’s community and sports along with their peers.
“It’s important to the Miramonte community because it shows what inclusion looks like in action and gives everyone a chance to be part of something bigger,” Gordon said.
Both Gordon and Verrico agree that the Unified Sports program displays Miramonte’s inclusivity.
“The program lets everyone do what they enjoy,” Vericco said.
The event concluded with applause from the crowd and a raffle that students and staff could enter. For more information on Miramonte’s Unified Sports program, visit the team home page for upcoming events and games: https://gomats.org/sports/uss
