Unified basketball is a part of the Special Olympics, where students of all levels can participate safely on the basketball court. The athletes on the team are the players and the player partners are who assist them on and off the court. The game consists of at least 15 to 20 players on the team. This includes the five athletes and three partners who will play on the court against another team in two ten-minute halves. The game allows the athletes to gain confidence and develop their skills while also forming lasting friendships. Along with that, the team gives the partners the opportunity to learn patience and how to be supportive of the athletes. At Danbury High School, the unified season officially kicks off January 8th, 2025. DHS is just one of the 8,330 high schools that participate in the program across the United States.
The program was started at DHS about five years ago by Mrs. Kelly Rabito, a health teacher, along with Chip Salvestrini, the DHS athletic director, and since has been carried on as a yearly tradition. This year, Ms. DeAnna Aurio, who has participated in the program for the last three years, and Mr. Jeffrey Stevenson, who has participated for the last two years, are the head coaches. Their main goal throughout this season is to “expand the number of athlete involvement and support from the community,” says Aurio. Throughout the season, the best part, according to Stevenson, is always being able to watch the “athletes and partners work together” and seeing the acceptance and positivity spread throughout the gym during practices and games.
Unified basketball is a great way to build both student and community involvement. This is because it allows any student at DHS to participate in one capacity or another. Students looking to gain volunteer hours to help them build a resume or apply for college can reach out to Coach Aurio or Coach Stevenson any time and inquire. The unified team practices once a week on Wednesdays right after school and has games about every other week. Coaches Aurio and Stevenson are always looking for more athletes and athlete partners to participate. The Unified Basketball program at Danbury High School provides a positive, safe, and fun environment for any student looking to build several different skills, make new friends, and reach new goals along the way.
