Centaurus High School hosted Boulder, Broomfield, Fairview and Monarch High Schools for the Unified Basketball tournament this month, on April 10th. Each high school was represented with a focus on their senior players.
Unified Basketball is a program run by the Special Olympics. It follows the same rules as regular high‑school basketball, but the teams are inclusive to players with intellectual disabilities. Players with and without intellectual disabilities play together, creating a stronger community as students connect with their peers. Unified basketball is all about working together and supporting the team. The game is a great way for high school students to show their community pride.
The Centaurus players gave their best on the court for five games in a row. They won their first game against Broomfield high, but sadly lost against Monarch. Community members came through to support the team. Students, staff, and cheerleaders came to celebrate all the teams and cheer them on. Students filled the bleachers, waving banners and cheering for baskets. Many staff and coaches stood on the side lines to support the students and remind them that their effort matters.
The stars of the game were the graduating seniors, giving their all in the final game of their high school career. After the games, all five school’s athletes and their staff joined to celebrate the players. They commemorated the notable event, socializing and eating pizza to honor all the players who participated in the game.
Special Education teacher Katharine Thomas told about the hard work the whole team put in. “I’ve always wanted to teach special education since I was young,” she explained. “What I love most is that each of our kids has a special gift. They get to share that through our program and other people get to benefit. Everybody worked super hard. We played five games in a row without a break so everyone had a chance to play. Some were a little bit afraid, but they did it, and we were really proud of them.”
On the Court
Players share the biggest strengths of their team, as well as their inspirations.
First-year player Daisy Cardeñas said, “I’ve been playing for one year at the school. The best strength of the team is teamwork.”
Cameron, who has always loved basketball, added: “I’ve been playing basketball since I was little. Nikola Jokić from the Denver Nuggets inspires me the most.”
Veteran Johnathan “JJ” Rodriquez agrees: “I’ve played basketball since preschool. I chose it because it’s fun. The team’s biggest strength is teamwork—we help each other out.”
After cheering on the game together and watching Centaurus players score, the CHS community was stronger, “All the Unified athletes brought their best and were so kind to the other teams. It was a great day.” said Thomas.
