Students from across Rocky View Schools (RVS) hit the courts and playing fields at Genesis Place on April 30 for the division’s Unified Sports Jamboree — a day-long celebration of inclusion, teamwork and athletic fun.
The event, hosted in partnership with Special Olympics Alberta, brought together 128 students from seven schools across Airdrie, Beiseker, Chestermere, Cochrane, Langdon and Rocky View County. Participants competed in events including bocce ball, cornhole, floorball and turbo javelin.
Unified Sports pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, encouraging friendship and social inclusion through shared athletic experiences. Each athlete was teamed with a neurotypical peer from their school, with the duos collaborating throughout the day in various sports and challenges.
“Sports and games provide an important way for students to get active and develop life skills,” said Greg Luterbach, RVS Superintendent of Schools. “Events like the Unified Sports Jamboree create structured opportunities for all students to connect, compete and feel a sense of belonging.”
Beyond the games, the event served as a platform for leadership. Middle school leadership students from Beiseker, C.W. Perry, Kathyrn and Langdon helped organize the event by designing posters, medals and game passports, while also leading teams on-site. High school leaders from Bert Church and Horseshoe Crossing supported activities throughout the day.
The jamboree highlighted values of teamwork, inclusion and cooperation — key elements of RVS’s broader goal to offer inclusive and engaging learning environments.
“By offering this event, students had the chance to build friendships, try something new and have a lot of fun along the way,” said Luterbach.
Rocky View Schools extended thanks to all student athletes, partners, staff and volunteers who made the event possible, including the team at Genesis Place and Special Olympics Alberta.