“Extraordinary” production: Fredonia unveils a unified sports banner in ceremonies | News, sports, jobs
The photos of observers of Braden Carmen Fredonia Unified Basketball Athlete Austin Duriboga (24) gives a High Five to Carol Zirkle, basketball coach Unified Fredonia, in a match in Suny Fredonia earlier this season.
This banner, however, is different from everything else.
For the first time in the history of the school, Fredonia was recognized by the special Olympic Games as a national banner school for its efforts to support inclusion thanks to unified sports. The district celebrated the realization on Friday during an assembly, while the Fredonia basketball team played a match against Frewsburg.
“This banner represents much more than a simple price – it is a symbol of culture that we build here. Thanks to unified sports and inclusive programs, our students learn lessons on leadership, compassion and teamwork that will remain with them long after their rooms.
The momentum began to rely in Fredonia's quest for unified sporting recognition during the district graduation ceremony in Suny Fredonia when the president of the AVA student body Rukavina spoke to the impact that the unified sports programs had on her. From there, the movement won steam while Naomi McKnatt, the mother of the unified athlete of Fredonia, Luke McKnatt, advocated for Fredonia to receive recognition as a unified champion school due to the impact of the program on her son.
Finally, Fredonia has become one of the 13 schools to receive the honor this year. Dunkirk and Silver Creek have each won unified banner status in recent years.
“I think Unified is an excellent example of a win-win scenario in which so many members of our school community benefit,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox. “Whether you are a student-athlete, coach, parent, family member, spectator or teacher / staff, we all win by being part or attend a unified event. It brings everyone together for the greatest good. ”
Fredonia High School launched its special Olympic Unified Sports program in 2019 with a unified bowling alley. After the pandemic, Fredonia expanded the offers to include unified basketball and the Bocce. Students have adopted not only the competitive spirit, but also the inclusion mission through a variety of fundraising events, including the Polar Plunge, Buffalo Bowl, and more recently, a fundraising initiative in partnership with local law forces at Applebee.
“Unified Sports has brought a massive feeling of inclusiveness in Fredonia schools. The active participation of many students in the various sports offered reflects the depth of the inclusion of the school, “said Bennett Shephard, Junior of Fredonia. “In addition, the energy and enthusiasm seen during unified rallies emphasize how significant these programs are for the central school district of Fredonia.”
To date, school efforts have collected more than $ 35,000 to support the New York special Olympic Games. In 2023, he also established the unified club for students to promote inclusion and unity throughout the school community.
“Unified Sports has been one of the most significant programs of which I had the privilege of being part. It plays a powerful role by helping our students become more compassionate, inclusive and understanding – reminding us that our differences are what makes each of us unique and extraordinary,” said Kristin Tomaszewski, youth activation coordinator for unified sports in Fredonia.
The student body of Fredonia clearly felt the impact of unified sports, because the athletes of all sports adhered to the program. One of the basketball stars in university boys, Mike Hahn, was a unified basketball partner last year before his diploma. His mother, Sheila Hahn, a member of the Fredonia Board of Education, witnessed the impact that the program's participation had on him.
Sheila Hahn said: “This banner is deeply personal for me. It reflects the significant friendships and the lasting memories that my son found through Unified, and serves as a powerful recall that when we offer all students to connect, we create a space for shared humanity and shared joy. ”
Carter Mcrtan, a 10th year student in Fredonia, said the best part of the unified program was the ability to practice new sports with friends. The 10th year comrade Kaleigh Morano said: “The kindness and positivity that everyone share has a safe space for everyone.”
To gain national banner status, a school must meet 10 national standards of excellence in the fields of inclusion, advocacy and respect. The main activities of these standards include inclusive leadership for young people, the commitment of the whole school and the special Olympic sports programs, where students with and without disability are formed and compete as teammates.
National banner schools must also demonstrate that they are independent or have a plan in place to support these activities in the future. About 340 schools are currently classified as unified New York State champion schools, with more than 8,000 schools across the country that earn honor.
“There are more than 8,000 special Olympic champion schools across the country – the national banner status is only reserved for the best of the best,” said Special Olympic Games Management, Stacey Hengsterman. “We are incredibly proud to recognize the Fredonia High School for its leadership in the creation of a school environment where the inclusion, tolerance and acceptance of all students are the rule and not the exception. Congratulations and thank you to the whole school community. ”
