By: Jayden Montgomery
Lions Unified is a club that promotes the inclusion of everyone, especially ones with disabilities.
Club sponsor Angela Phipps said it initially started with a group of student athletes attending a leadership training in 2015, which led to the school having a unified track team.
“We grow and change each year, but some activities have become annual events,” she said. “The biggest of those is the unified basketball game; this will be our 8th year.”
This year, the game will be held Saturday, March 9, at SHS. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the game starting at 7 p.m. There aren’t any ticket sales, but donations will be accepted at the door.
“Money donated from the game will go to Lions Unified,” said Phipps. “Chuck a Duck proceeds will be donated to Washington County Special Olympics.”
The unified game brings Washington County Special Olympic athletes and SHS students together for a fun night of basketball.
“The game is black vs gold, with teams made up of players from SO and SHS,” said Phipps.
Not only are SHS students playing, but they will also be coaching, officiating, announcing, running the clock, singing the national anthem and greeting people at the doors. The cheerleaders, pep band and mascots will be participating, too.
Senior Maggie Gibson has coached one of the unified teams for the last three years. "Everyone should come out to experience the unified game,” she said. “People from all over the community come together and have a good time supporting the Special Olympics and athletics as a whole."
Elliott Daniels, a Washington County Special Olympic athlete, said, " The unified game is my favorite time. I like playing with the high schoolers, having the cheerleaders and band be there, and everyone coming to support Special Olympics and Lions Unified. It's a great night for everyone.”
Fans will see new things this year, including a scrimmage with 4th grade basketball players and the high school basketball players. There will also be a “chuck-a-duck” fundraiser. Concessions will also be available.
“Of course, the highlight each year is the halftime dance party and that will still happen,” said Phipps.
Junior Abby Maynard played last year and will announce this year. She said she participates because, "I like to see the Special Olympic athletes having fun and all of us building friendships."