Sports is a huge part of Hamilton Southeastern High School. It is a way to be connected to your school and have a fun time with your friends, playing or attending. Many people do not think about our unified sports programs, but they have a significant impact on the athletes and community as well. It is a way they can get the opportunity to play the sport they love and do it alongside some amazing and supportive people.
“For me, I will cheer as loud as possible for as long as I possibly can,” said sophomore Sebastion Brown. “I want the students to know that we are all their to support them and watch them because in unified track it’s possibly the only sport that some students are able to do in their life so might as well make them feel welcome.”
Unified Track and Field is aimed at making athletes thrive in a welcoming community. It’s a safe space for all, so they can just have fun but do what they love with the people they care about and care for them. Everyone cheers for everyone and they all support each other.
“Everyone always has a positive spirit, which makes practice so enjoyable,” said senior Claire Roehm. “If you ever walk by our rotations, there’s a 99% chance you you’ll hear clapping and someone yelling, ‘I’m a star!’”
The spirits are always high and that’s what makes this team so beyond special. Everyone is able to work hard but have fun. This allows the athletes to be able to be pushed to their best while being able to laugh and dance.
“Unified sports are one of, if not the best things we do at Hamilton southeastern,” said Athletic Director Jim Self. “It allows our exceptional learners an opportunity to compete as Royals. I think it’s part of the culture that makes HSE a great place.”
For many students, Unified Track becomes something that they look forward to every day. It allows them to have a sense of belonging and a positive attitude that can carry on through other aspects of their life. As the season continues, the team hopes to continue spreading the positive energy throughout all their athletes.
“I am so glad that I joined because it is one of the best experiences I’ve ever been a part of,” said Brown. “I plan on continuing to be a part of the unified community up through senior year.”
