Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 8

C O M PA S S I O N
Unified Basketball: a team for all
T
he newest sport at Thornton
Academy is perhaps its most
unique. Unified Basketball
pairs athletes (students with
disabilities) with partners (students
from the rest of the student body).
Together they make a team, both
on and off the court.
Special Education teacher
Kristin Smythe started Thornton
Academy’s team in 2017. With
support from the school's
administration, Smythe and
assistant coach Kristy Kendrick
recruit athletes and partners to
form the team.
During the games, each team has
three athletes and two partners on
the court at all times, so athletes
8
and partners get to know each
other and how to work together.
For many of the athletes, being
a part of this team and being
recognized for successes has
been a life-changing experience.
Individuals that were once shy, now
are more outgoing and are taking a
leadership role in their classes.
“They’re included when they’ve
never had a chance to be included
before,” said Smythe.
Playing on the Unified Basketball
team is also a great experience
for the partners. This year, more
partners applied than the number
of available spots.
Story by Katy Nicketakis · Photo Courtesy of Kristy Kendrick
“It has opened the door to make
them ambassadors for change,”
Kendrick said about the role of the
partners.
Wyatt LeBlanc '18 says that
participating in Unified Basketball
has been one of the best decisions
he has made at Thornton Academy.
LeBlanc says, “Not only are you
helping out and giving back to the
community, but you can see how
much it means to the players and
their families. It does not matter if
we win some games like we did this
year, or lose every game, everyone
knows that it's not about that. It is
about having fun and just enjoying
the time that you're out there
helping.”