After a parade of student-athletes from Canyons, Jordan and Murray school districts, First Lady Abby Cox took center court.

“I’m so excited for all the work you’ve put in to be here that each one of you here is making a difference in each other’s lives,” she said. “Anybody who is experiencing unified sports is experiencing something that is powerful, that is changing our lives. It’s changing our communities and changing our schools. It’s changing the world because we truly see each other as human beings. When we truly look at each other with eyes of another human and understand each other’s hearts, we do change the world. You’re going to change everything. You’re going to make the world better because of who you are, because of the friendships you’re making right now.”

However, Cox wasn’t speaking to just any high school athletes. 

These were players on unified basketball teams, where students with and without intellectual disabilities play side by side. The program, which has seen tremendous growth, now boasts more than 200 high school coed unified basketball teams. School districts have supported the growth of tournaments, expanding opportunities for students to compete. 

This tournament, which featured two competitive games taking place on one of three courts, was held at Corner Canyon High in Draper.

Sophomore Isaac Reed played point guard for Herriman High’s team. He played unified basketball for Mountain Creek Middle School last year.

“There are more people here watching us in high school than in middle school,” he said. “I love basketball. I enjoy passing because it helps my team and gives everyone a chance to score. It’s important to show respect after the game by saying ‘good game.’”

His dad, Dub, was on the sidelines, cheering on Isaac and his teammates.

“When I was in high school in the ’90s, there were no programs like this,” he said. “They put these kids in a classroom in the corner of the school, and we never saw them. Now they’re part of everything, and it’s the way it should be. These kids are just as competitive, and this means the world to them to be able to be seen and heard.”

Isaac, who had a stroke at birth and didn’t get diagnosed until he was six months old, is enamored with basketball, watching and recording every NBA game and memorizing stats.

“He watches every NBA game and memorizes the stats,” his dad said. “These unified programs have given him and other kids a sense of community. His peer tutors give him high-fives in the hallways. At a special needs football game, when Isaac scored a touchdown, the Herriman football team gathered around to congratulate him. That kindness means the world to him and to all these kids.”

The core of unified sports is simple: training and playing together fosters friendships and understanding, said Boston Iacobazzi, Special Olympics Utah’s college-growth coordinator for unified champion schools.

Brighton sophomore Adelaide Hoffman was on another court, getting ready to play.

“Jared (Denslow, special education teacher) taught me how to play basketball,” she said. “I’m excited; this is my first time playing.”

Devin Ambrossi, a junior and peer tutor at Brighton, said unified sports are meaningful.

“Unified sports is great because everyone gets a chance to participate, and it’s a safe space for everyone,” he said. “It’s where people can be themselves and learn new things. I’ve learned a lot about patience and kindness, and it’s made me a better person.”

Many players also credit their special education teachers and peers for teaching them the game of basketball.

West Jordan senior Spencer Nielsen attributes his skills to his coach’s instruction, but he also praises one of his teammates.

“Robert is the best player on our team,” he said. “The best part is just being on the team with all my friends.”

Senior Riley Warner plays alongside Nielsen and other players on West Jordan’s team.

“I like to help out and make everyone be included,” he said. “It’s important to treat everyone fairly. I’m blessed with opportunities, so I want to give back. It’s great to see my teammates excited and pushing themselves. They’re competitive, and I know we’ll do well—hopefully win a state championship.”

Herriman High sophomore Kayla Grant also wants to play for a state title.

“I learned to play basketball on the team and it’s fun to dribble and pass to my friends,” she said. “And I love to see my friends who are playing on other teams.”

Alta senior Joaquin Munoz also appreciates forming friendships through the program.

“We have a lot of fun and it makes me happy seeing them happy,” he said. “It’s great we’re getting to make new friends on teams from a lot of different schools.”

Even though Munoz plays hockey and is on the dance team, he also played unified soccer in the fall as did Alta sophomore Riley Dover.

“I like playing unified sports because I’m exercising and it’s healthy,” he said. “The best part is being with my team.”

Mountain Ridge junior Colton Richards was making friends on his team and on opposing teams.

“I love my coach and my team,” he said. “We’re all having fun, making new friends from other schools and playing basketball together.”

Corner Canyon High senior Jordan Barlow appreciated the opportunity to play on his school’s team.

“I didn’t get to play on a team before this one; I used to just play at my house,” he said. “This team is fun because we include everyone. I like to pass the ball.”

His coach, Kelsie Wilson, praised Barlow’s team spirit.

“He passes it so everyone on the team has an opportunity to make a shot,” she said. 

Corner Canyon junior Jackson “Blondie” Kennedy, who said he isn’t a basketball player himself, values the inclusivity of the team.

“I’m learning alongside them,” said the peer tutor. “We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to play. We pass, we shoot, do a lot of fundamentals, but we’re here to make everyone feel welcome, cheer everyone and have a good time.”

Bingham High Principal Rodney Shaw appreciates the impact of unified sports on his students.

“We want all our students to feel connected to the school, and being part of a team is a great way to do that,” he said. “Unified sports have grown so much. For these kids, the emphasis is not about winning or losing; it’s about belonging and being part of the community. The wins and losses are fun, but these kids want to be here, be on the team, and participate.”

This inclusive approach has fostered stronger bonds between students at his school.

“These kids are socializing with other students, eating lunch together, attending activities, and coming to basketball games,” Shaw said. “They get tons of support from the student body.”

Unified teams from the three school districts will compete in the regional tournament the week of March 10, with the state unified basketball tournament set for March 26 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. λ