LINWOOD — Amid a morning breeze and warm rays of sunshine, Mainland Regional High School kicked off its third annual Unified Sports Spring Track and Field event May 22.
A partnership with New Jersey Special Olympics, the event provided an opportunity for students with disabilities to engage in athletics and foster camaraderie with Unified Partners — students without disabilities who volunteer to assist.
Seven southern New Jersey schools, including Mainland Regional High School, Ocean City High School, Cape May County Special Services, Atlantic City High School, Holy Spirit High School, Egg Harbor Township High School and Delsea Regional High School, participated in the event.
Featuring traditional track and field events such as the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash, shot put and long jump, the meet showcased the commitment to inclusivity championed by English teacher Sarah Rockey. As a special education teacher for Mainland’s 18-21 program, Rockey emphasized the importance of inclusion within the school community and pride in her district’s support of the program.
“Inclusion is very important to us. Having our students with and without disabilities interacting in the classroom together is very important to us and Mainland prides itself on its level of inclusivity,” Rockey said. “I’m just so proud of our school.”
She also spoke of the program’s growth in the past three years, and how Mainland has joined other participating schools to form the Unified Cape Atlantic League.
The league enables students to engage in soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter and track in the spring, promoting unity between disabled and abled communities.
“It’s a way for abled and disabled students to come together and share their competitive spirit together,” Rockey said. “It’s all about the kids and about having fun. The main goal is to always have fun.”
Dave Jacobs, director of Mainland’s Child Study Team, echoed Rockey’s sentiments, emphasizing the school’s overarching goal of inclusivity and community engagement.
“We had a wide-ranging goal to increase our ways of inclusivity. Our student body really comes out for these events, you’ll see them in the stands cheering them on,” Jacobs said. “Every year it gets better and better and it’s just the best day of the year here at Mainland.”
Ocean City High School made its first official appearance at the event this year, with 13 special education students participating alongside several OCHS staff members, including special education teacher Jessica DeBiaso. She noted the event’s positive effect on participants’ self-esteem and overall well-being.
“Everyone comes out and cheers for each other, it’s such a positive time. They all just come as one to participate,” DeBiaso said.
The meet began with a special rendition of the national anthem sung by Dale Martin, a Mainland Regional graduate and former participant in Unified Sports.
Math teacher Brian Hatz served as emcee, providing vibrant commentary and electric introductions of the athletes.
The event had no shortage of fans either as the stands were full of supportive students to cheer on their fellow classmates.
Beyond its benefits for students with disabilities, the event serves as a learning opportunity and offers leadership roles for Unified Partners who volunteer their time.
Mainland running back Rocco DeBiaso, for instance, organized the long jump event and assisted with measuring participants’ distances.
“I want to give them the opportunity to participate and do their own thing, it’s a great opportunity for them to be involved in,” the junior said. “It just feels good to be able to help everybody out.”
Other Mustangs serving as Unified Partners included track and field athletes Kylynn McElroy and Ava McDole, who found fulfillment in volunteering for their second consecutive year.
“We all love seeing them really happy when they get to join,” McElroy said. “It’s just fun and rewarding to help out.”
The day carried on with cheers and excitement from participants and supporters alike as the event was marked as a success for growing the power of inclusivity and community spirit alike. Coordinators expressed hope that the event continues to grow in participation and impact as it stands as a shining example of how sports can unite individuals from diverse backgrounds in pursuit of community and leadership.
– STORY by EDDIE D’AMICO/For the Sentinel
– PHOTOS by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
