The game started off with a tip-off || Monica Sager 
A try for a three-point || Monica Sager Swampscott brings the ball back down the court || Monica Sager A shot for Swampscott || Monica Sager 
Dribbling down the court. || Monica Sager Swampscott blocks Saugus. || Monica Sager Swampcott’s unified sports played against Saugus on Wednesday || Monica Sager
The Swampscott High School unified basketball team played Saugus Middle High School on Monday, as a part of the “jam in the stands” celebration.
Unified basketball is a program — most notably through the Special Olympics — that brings together athletes both with and without intellectual disabilities. The goal is to promote inclusion while breaking down barriers.
“Participation and celebration of the success of all our students is vital to who we are as a community,” said High School Principal Emily Zotto. “The fans and the cheerleaders showing up for this is so great.”
Young people with disabilities are often not provided an opportunity to play on their schools’ sports teams, according to the Special Olympics. Many areas are adopting a unified sports approach similar to the Special Olympics to create more inclusive schools for all students within all aspects of school life.
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is now in more than 10,800 schools in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Around 19.5 million young people have taken part in the experience.
For Swampscott’s game on Wednesday, a DJ, pizza as well as sign making were available for fans.
