Brockton High's unified track team embraces the power of inclusion

BROCKTON – Brockton High School’s unified track and field team returned to its home at Marciano Stadium Wednesday afternoon, competing against the unified team from New Bedford.

Unified track and field teams joins students with and without disabilities on the same team. The program has been stalled in Brockton since 2019 due to COVID but is now being reintroduced thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. This grant will allow the program to run until at least the 2025-2026 school year and give Brockton the opportunity to join SOMA’s Unified Champion Schools program, which is dedicated to promoting social inclusion using sports as a foundation.

“We’re grateful to Special Olympics of Massachusetts for their continued support of Brockton’s students,” said Acting Superintendent of Schools James Cobbs. “It’s impossible to overstate the value of inclusion and acceptance of all of our students, and the Unified Champion Schools program plays such a critical role in helping us provide a comprehensive school experience."

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At Wednesday's meet, students competed in several jumping, running and throwing events adapted to be inclusive for all regardless of ability. The overall goal of the program is to bring together students of all abilities through sports and athletics.

According to the Special Olympics Unified Champion School program’s website, “these are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions."

Bringing back Unified Track and Field Team

Brockton High's unified track and field team started in 2016 before shutting in 2019 due to the pandemic. But the 2019 team ended the program on a high note, winning the MIAA Division II State championships.

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Now thanks to a grant from the Special Olympics of Massachusetts, the program will continue.

As part of its commitment, Brockton Public Schools will establish a district-level leadership team comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines, including special education, physical education, athletics, family engagement and social-emotional learning. This team will meet regularly to ensure students are enjoying the full depth of the program’s benefits.

Schools that participate in the unified program can choose from over 30 sports offered by the Special Olympics from table tennis to the triathlon. Brockton High had a unified basketball team in 2010, but Dianne Davis, Brockton Public School's special education coordinator, said it was hard to maintain the program.

"This year is our rebuilding year, so it will be track and field with hopes of a run at basketball again next year," said Davis, adding that she hopes the program will gain more traction and participation now that the team is back in action.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton High brings back unified track and field team