Searcy, Ar. (LP) — “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” – Athlete’s Oath. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools promotes communities where youth can help change, encourage acceptance, respect, and dignity for people with disabilities and anyone who is perceived as different. Searcy has a team for the Special Olympics called Team Unified. “Team Unified is all about including those with special needs and making them feel appreciated in this world we have today. It was made to give the students at Searcy High a chance to get involved with the Special Olympics,” says Lexie Riales a student at SHS and a volunteer for the team. Another volunteer and student at SHS, Aubrey Arnold states, “It was made to create a new opportunity for the students to come together as a school.” 

Team Unified went to a basketball tournament at Harding University on January 16. Volunteer for the team Lexie Riales says, “At this recent event, Project Unify and the special needs students split up to make two basketball teams, an A team and a B team. We went against another Unified team from another high school. Our Team B won one time.” Students at Searcy High School go with the special athletes from the school to the Special Olympic events and either compete as a unified team or to volunteer to help our high school’s special athletes. The athletes and volunteers don’t practice together, but the athletes take time in their P.E. classes to train for events. Aubrey Arnold says, “We played basketball and I felt honored and filled with such joy to be apart of such an amazing experience to put a smile on those kids’ faces.” 

There’s plenty of activities to attend and support our special athletes. Lexie Riales says while stating her emotions, “Participating in this event made me feel happy, seeing everyone supporting each other no matter what happened. It is definitely rewarding, seeing how the athletes light up changes you and makes you see the world differently.” The athletes’ faces light up with joy every time they get together to play or practice. These types of events not only affects the happiness of the athletes, but also the volunteers. Stay updated with our special athletes and their events! Next event, come out and support them. The team may be able to qualify for the championship. It will be held in Springfield, MO. Encourage our special athletes with their next event!