Concord-Carlisle High School’s Unified Basketball team kicked its season off against Acton-Boxborough on Sept. 25. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
CONCORD — Concord-Carlisle High School’s Unified Basketball team has tipped off its fourth season this fall, continuing to bring students together through teamwork, friendship, and inclusion.
The Unified Basketball program pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. The Concord-Carlisle High School program began in fall 2021 following the success of the District’s first Unified Track season.
It is now an instrumental part of Concord-Carlisle’s inclusive culture, offering students meaningful opportunities for growth on and off the court.
This season, about 30 students are participating in Unified Basketball, including a dozen athletes and roughly twice as many peer mentors.
Games feature three athletes and two mentors on the floor at all times, with mentors supporting play through passing and rebounding as athletes take the shots. The team plays four to six games against Dual County League opponents each fall. The team is coached by special education teachers Tom Keane and Erin Nickerson.
Unified Sports, a Special Olympics initiative, are designed to promote social inclusion through shared experiences. At Concord-Carlisle, the program has been met with high enthusiasm, particularly from mentors eager to get involved.
“We’ve seen incredible growth from our athletes,” said Athletic Director Aaron Joncas, who often referees the games. “Some of our returning players are now in their third season. Their skills have improved, but what stands out most is their confidence and how comfortable and proud they’ve become representing their school.”
This year, the program is expanding to include the entire school community. During an upcoming Flex Block, a dedicated time in the school schedule for enrichment and exploration, the team will host Lincoln-Sudbury for a daytime game in front of a gymnasium full of students and staff.
“It’s the first time we’ll fill the gym for a Unified game,” said Athletic Director Joncas. “The goal is to celebrate inclusion as a community. Our students will see that this is every bit as competitive, fun, and meaningful as any other sport we offer at Concord-Carlisle.”
The District’s commitment to inclusive athletics continues to grow, with a Unified Bowling program launching this winter.
“Our District’s mission calls on us to help students discover their potential and find joy in learning, and inclusion is at the heart of that work,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “When students compete together as equals, learning from and supporting one another, they embody the sense of community that we strive to build across all of Concord-Carlisle.”
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A Concord-Carlisle High School athlete takes a jump shot during the Unified Basketball team’s season-opener. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
Concord-Carlisle High School’s Unified Basketball team competes against Acton-Boxborough on Sept. 25. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
A Concord-Carlisle High School Unified Basketball athlete dribbles the ball up the court during a recent game. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
Concord-Carlisle High School Unified Basketball athletes and mentors are all smiles during a game against Acton-Boxborough. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
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