BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (WCAX) – A new banner hangs from the rafters of the gymnasium at Brattleboro Union High School.
The school has a banner that officially confirms its uniform sports program. Uniform sports pairs of students with and without disabilities play together in the same team.
The team had to pass ten standards to receive national recognition, such as offering uniform sports for at least 2 seasons and offering leadership opportunities to students regardless of ability.
School officials say a unified sports program in Brattleboro brings the entire school together.
“When I was in high school many years ago, [special education] students were basically segregated from the rest of the population,” said Tyler Boone, coordinator of the unified program. “And being part of a school, feeling like you’re part of a community, is a really powerful thing.”
“It gives me a great workout, helps me build good friendships with my teammates,” Bobby Petrie said.
“It’s good that we’re bringing everyone together,” Gabe Raymond said. “I think it’s important because a lot of people just stay introverted and I think it brings everyone together.”
Brattleboro Union High School is the fourth school in the state to receive this honor. Officials say they hope the recognition will inspire other schools to start unified sports programs.
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