On Wednesday, the Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS) was alive with energy as athletes took to the court for the annual unified basketball tournament.
Karleen Unger, a Phys Ed. teacher at SRSS, explains that the school collaborates with Special Olympics to host the event.
“We do all kinds of things. I know Special Olympics does bocce and their own basketball. But for us today, we're doing a basketball tournament. And we invite some of our neighboring communities to join us.”
More than just a competition, this tournament is designed to foster inclusion and build lasting connections between students.
“It really just brings out all of these friendships and bonds that kids are building over time. And just from year to year, even seeing kids come in and they high five each other and they're like, ‘Hey, you're here again’. It's really great that way.”
The games closely resemble a traditional basketball match, but with a meaningful twist.
“We play a regular five-on-five game, but we have three Special Olympic athletes to two unified partners and we kind of sub students on as we go through the game. We play a 15-minute game, and we use all the regular basketball rules. Our tournament is more of like a round robin, so there's no final game to it, but every game here, if you were in the stands watching, really feels like the final game.”
The gym was buzzing with excitement as players cheered for one another, creating an uplifting and inspiring atmosphere.
“It really is about inclusion and just bringing it back to every person has the right to play basketball and enjoy the game. For many of our students, they come here to be competitive and then others come here just for their friendships and that's OK. Doesn't matter what you come here for. It's a great day all together,” she shares.
Unger says one of the highlights is witnessing students from different schools come together to support one another.
“Just seeing them pass the ball to each other and say here, try again, high fiving each other, giving each other hugs. It's really neat.”
Beyond the game, the tournament also provides an opportunity for unified partners to grow as leaders and strengthen their role in the school community.
“I think it is honestly a big opportunity for them to be leaders in our school and to realize that all of us are kind of in it together. It just is such a larger role into the community of our school.”
Among those taking part in the tournament was SRSS student Lucas Adrian.
“We just get kids from all over the division to come and play basketball, and these are kids that have special needs or physical disabilities. Then we just have people like me to come and play with them, have a blast, create relationships there that are just really important to make them feel seen and known, which is very easy to miss them in day-to-day lives. So, this is a place where they can just be seen by the world, and they're all just thrilled to see everybody watching them.”
While basketball may not be Adrian’s favourite sport, he values the opportunity to connect with others and make a difference.
“Well, it's just a way for me to, it's like my ministry almost for Jesus and to make them feel like God's children, because they're seen that way, and they're each so special, and that's how I see them,” he says.
For participant Kailey Halldorsson, the best part of the day was simple.
“Hanging out with my friends.”
With her friends cheering her on from the stands, Halldorsson says their support made her feel happy and glad.
It was a successful day on the court for her as well, as she managed to score six points. While she does not play basketball regularly, she looks forward to this tournament at SRSS.
With files from Corny Rempel
