Anticipating, waiting. The track so silent one could hear a pin drop. “On your mark,” the announcer says. Nerves settle in racers’ stomachs. “Set…” Then, the loud, sharp sound of a gun firing rings in their ears as the athletes start to rush their bodies to the finish line.
Many people know about the worldwide sport of track and field, but not everyone is informed about Unified track and field.
Unified track and field consists of students and athletes, both with and without disabilities/special needs, who participate in different events, such as sprinting, relays, and some field events, and long-jumping events. Unified Track and Field is organized through a partnership with Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
Learning support teacher and coach Emily Hedrick believes the season will go exceptionally well this year. Hedrick has seen the Unified program impact people at the school through inclusion positively.
“I think the big and main thing unified sports brings to the overall school culture is inclusion,” Hedrick said. “[Unified emphasizes] bringing attention to students with disabilities that can participate in sports, helps others recognize anyone can do anything like sports and participating.”
Unified track and field has become a large part of Susquehannock’s school’s culture, promoting inclusion, empathy and being an environment that fosters new connections.
Senior Thomas Minacci feels that the program has been meaningful to him and the students involved.
“I wish that more students would understand the impact that unified sports have on these students,” Minacci said. “Unified sports give students the opportunity to get involved and be part of a team. By sharing common goals and supporting each other, they are exposed to an environment that fosters inclusion and belonging.”
This program continues to expand each year, creating stronger bonds between teammates, building friendships and connections and demonstrating true teamwork.
Senior Shane Ryan agrees that Unified track and field deserves more recognition for the members’ efforts and dedication.
“I wish students understood that Unified sports are not any less competitive or ‘easier’ than a non-Unified Sport,” Ryan said. “All of our athletes give 110% and work incredibly hard, and the outcome of their hard work is clearly visible in both a social setting and athletic setting.”
The Unified track and field season will start April 8 at home against West York and Spring Grove.
