Teams from local schools laced up their running shoes for the third-annual Unified Sports Track Meet on May 5.

   Athletes from Edison, Indian Creek, and Buckeye Local High Schools faced off against a “mystery” opponent which turned out to be the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the event was held, fittingly enough, at the Unified Sports Complex at Edison in Richmond. Youth and deputies took part in 100-meter, 200-meter and 4×100-meter relays as well as a softball throw and long jump while students and athletes’ family members watched from the stands. Top placers received medals and ribbons but the entire day was a win for everyone.

   Unified sports combine students with individual education plans (IEP’s) with general pupils on blended teams and local schools have so far taken part in football, basketball, and track events. Among the participants at the track meet were Olivia Ault, Brennan Butcher, James Bonecutter, Halee Fish, Aaron Wade, Gabe Croskey, Jaidyn Carlson, Isaac Warren, Khloe Neely, and Anthony Rohal for Edison; coaches Franco Barcalow and Jay Snider, cheerleaders Tylee Spencer, Shayne Scott, Haylee Shaffer, Abbey Pendleton, Aziah Ade, Peyton Ewing, Blissani Locke, and Ava Bell, and runners River Adams, Misha Amis, James Donaldson, Skylar Arroyo, David Howe, Ethan Starr, Brayden Stewart, Jabari White, Landon Cullen, Colton Dawson, Tatum Deem, Alex Fabian, Pax Gorby, Aubrie Hanlin, Heath Parker, Ali Hilderbrand, Joey Lopez, Kaleb Manion, David Pawelczyk, and Aiden Speegle for Indian Creek; Jackson Smith, Shyla Louk, Zoey Parrish, Michael Grimm, Logan Coe, Xander Turner, Clayton Doty, Myla Dillon, Chloe Leonard, Destanie Lewis, and Thomas Miller for Buckeye Local; and Sgt. Brad Polaski, Maj. Tommy Koehnlein, and deputies Zach Stackhouse, Lane Herbert, Jake McGinnis, Brandon Kelly, and Matt Morgan for JCSO.

   Christina Henderson, director of special education at Edison Local Schools, coordinated efforts with Edison Unified Sports Coordinator Ryan Sronce and said students hit the ground running.

    “They were excited to host and compete,” she added, saying unified sports has made a positive impact at EHS. “Students with and without disabilities are working together as teammates, which has naturally increased peer relationships and mutual respect. We’ve seen students who may not have interacted otherwise form meaningful connections both on and off the field and court.”

   She continued that unified sports have strengthened the school culture and there is a noticeable increase in school pride and community involvement during events.

   “Staff and students rally around these teams in a way that promotes a sense of belonging for all participants. It produces such a wonderfully accepting climate that allows these unified student athletes to experience the roar of the crowd, the excitement of the event and the pride of earning that recognition,” Henderson said. “Unified sports have provided leadership opportunities for general education students as well, who serve as peer partners and role models. This experience builds leadership, communication, and collaboration skills that extend beyond athletics.”

    Meanwhile, Sronce said it was a great opportunity to bring the community together.

   “Today went wonderfully. It’s cool to see everyone get involved,” he continued. “Having everyone out here all at once was a fun experience and I wish we could get more schools involved.”

   Amber Scott, ICHS coordinator, added that she was happy to see everyone unite and support one another.

   “It brings the community together and I’ve had people come up to me and say they are working with the kids to prepare for events. It all comes together and it’s amazing,” Scott said. “It’s nice that the community gets involved. We all come together and make friendships with other districts, not just the kids but also the staff.”

   Victoria Luyster, Buckeye Local coordinator, said her school has been involved with the program for the past three years and unified sports has bolstered interaction and camaraderie.

   “One of the best things is they realize [my students] are like everybody else, that they have the same dreams and sense of humor. They gave high fives after our unified basketball game in March. It encourages people to interact and realize that people are people and want to have friends,” Luyster added. “I think it gives them confidence all around. My students feel included and the others feel accomplished and like they are making a difference.”

   And the athletes themselves expressed how exciting the experience was for them.

   “It’s good and I have so much fun,” said Jackson Smith, a freshman at BLHS. “I love to see everybody play.”

   “I like to be with all of my friends,” added ICHS sophomore Misha Amis, who noted his family was also on hand to watch. “It’s a whole bunch of fun.”

   “It’s fun and I like to run,” said Edison sophomore Kaden Eddy, adding that he likes sports.

   Jefferson County Unified Sports Coordinator Tom Mort said the best part was the players’ excitement.

   “It’s another opportunity for students to participate in a wonderful event,” Mort added. “The kids are very excited to participate. When we schedule an event, it’s all they talk about.”

    He said eventual plans are to add whiffle ball, kickball, mini golf and bowling activities in the future.

    Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. said his office was invited to support the athletes and participate in the meet and officials were happy to be part of it all.

   “It was a beautiful day for a great event and we’re really proud of all the kids who displayed true athleticism,” he said. “I’m proud of Edison Local student body being out her to support the kids.”

   As an added perk, the sheriff and his deputies staged their own dash for the crowd to enjoy. Sheriff Abdalla joked that every bag of ice in the county would be retrieved for the deputies after the event.