By now, readers of this blog – and anyone else in town who cares to give credit where credit is due – knows about Greenwich High School’s Unified Sports program. Truth be told, it’s the best thing to happen to the high school in a very long time.
The program is led by Erin Randall, a teacher and volleyball coach at GHS. (For those who insist on knowing, Randall happens to be my girlfriend. Apparently, I’m supposed to disclose personal information with each post.)
[Related: Unified Sports Program in the Works at Greenwich High School]
[Related: Board Recognition Is Well Deserved]
[Related: Board Will Again Recognize GHS Unified Sports Program]
[Related: Video: Greenwich High School Unified Sports]
[Related: Picture of Success: Greenwich High School Unified Sports]
As a refresher, Unified Sports is a school-based, registered program of Special Olympics that combines approximately equal numbers of athletes with and without disabilities on sports teams for training and competition. The program started in Connecticut in 1992 under a partnership between the Connecticut Special Olympics and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference to expand athletic opportunities for students of all abilities. Over 1,300 students and 120 schools throughout the state take part in the program.
With approximately 80 participants, Greenwich High School is the largest team in the state. The program has expanded to three seasons – offering soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track and field in the spring.
The program has been recognized publicly by the Greenwich Board of Education on two separate occasions. It continues to receive invaluable support from the board, the GHS administration, and all parties involved.
It’s worth noting that Greenwich Unified Sports would not be the success that it is were it not for Erin Randall, who devotes countless hours to the kids and program. She was the one who brought Unified Sports to Greenwich High School in 2010.
Today, the Unified Sports soccer tournament will take place at Staples High School in Westport. The event was originally scheduled for last Monday, but was moved to today as a result of Hurricane Sandy.
There are many good causes to support. None bigger than this.
