Sneakers squeaking on the gym floor.  Basketballs bouncing on the court in unison as the coach provides instructions on how to throw a proper bounce pass.  Words of encouragement flowing out of the mouths of teammates.  These are all things that can be found in any gym around the country during the winter months.  But on this day at Combs High School in San Tan Valley, Arizona, the athletes are members of the unified basketball team. 

The Arizona Interscholastic Association, along with 23 other states, has partnered with Special Olympics to create opportunities like this for athletes and partners to work together and grow in sport and social inclusion.

“It is an honor and a joy to be able to coach these athletes.  Every practice they come in the gym with a smile and a ready-to-learn attitude.  To be part of an athlete’s first made shot in a real game, is so much more rewarding than winning a championship.  They teach me more than I teach them.”
- Kirk Fauske (CHS Unified Head Coach, Special Education Teacher, Head Boys Basketball Coach)

The Combs High School unified basketball team is made up of athletes and partners.  Partners are all members of various varsity sports and activities at CHS who volunteer their time to be a part of this team.  The athletes are all students at CHS living with intellectual impairments.  Together they make up the Combs High School Unified Basketball Team. 

"Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play."
- Mike Singletary (49ers Head Coach)

Many high school athletes all over the country take the opportunity to play for granted.  They meet all physical and academic requirements, try-out for the team, work hard at their skill development and compete.  High school athletes get to take part in the best part of sport… the opportunity to play. 

History of sport has asked those with disabilities to stand and watch on the sidelines, taking away even the possibility to take part.  The evolution of society and sport toward inclusion of all abilities has resulted in moments like this.  A gym full of athletes with absolutely no brick walls in front of them, but instead helping hands from partners and coaches picking them up when they fall, encouraging them when they get frustrated, and caring about them by seeing through their disabilities. 

Like many athletes across the state of Arizona, the athletes at Combs High School have made the move from sidelines to game time with the help of their dedicated partners and coaches.

Best of luck on a great season.  Go Coyotes!

To get involved in unified sports in your state contact your local state association or visit the Special Olympics website: http://www.specialolympics.org/.

Coaches and teachers can become certified in coaching unified sports for free through the NFHS Learning Center:  http://nfhslearn.com/.