Oxford Languages defines Unify as making or becoming united, uniform, or whole. On Tuesday, March 5th, the Silver Creek/ Forestville Unified Basketball team did just that at the University of Buffalo’s Men’s Basketball Game. The road to this game began back in November when Special Olympics New York (SONY) reached out to local schools asking for teams to play a promotional game during half time at a UB Men’s Basketball Game. The collaboration between UB Athletics and SONY allowed the Silver Creek/Forestville Team to play on the UB basketball court at Alumni Area, in an exhibition game against Salamanca’s Unified Team. This was especially exciting as the game also fell during the Special Olympics Global Campaign – Spread the Word: Inclusion. An event brought about to promote inclusion and acceptance of all individuals around the world. More information about Spread the Word can be found at https://www.spreadtheword.global/.
The night began with both Unified Teams lining up to high five the UB Bull’s as they entered the court. The teams and their spectators then watched the first half of the game before heading down to play on the Division I Basketball team’s court. Silver Creek coaches Jen and Wes Johnson worked with the team to sub in players and help them run the ball up court to make several baskets. The team, comprised of Troy Cooper, Julie Decker, Claire Gonzalez, Levi Lawton, Chris Marsh, Jonathan Pilski, Jacob Schwab, and Colin Shumaker rotated in and out through the 7-minute period, allowing them to pass, dribble, and make baskets on a college court. Forestville Coach Brenda Kerstetter was also there to assist with coordinating the players. Since this was an exhibition game, no one kept score, instead, everyone on the court, from both teams, enjoyed the opportunity to demonstrate what Unified sports is all about: promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences.( https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sports/unified-sports)
Several members of the Silver Creek Youth Advisory Committee, a middle and high school club whose sole purpose is to help promote Unified Sports and experiences with the Silver Creek District, and as well as students from the future 2024 Silver Creek/ Forestville Basketball team, also made the trek to UB to support their friends and teammates. Students in attendance included David Barrett, Lilly Fox, Noah Hodkin, Ali Kerstetter, Leah Merchant, Lily Prince- Rivera, Belle Shumaker, and Aubri Waite. Several Silver Creek Staff members were also in attendance to show their Black Knight Pride for the Unified Knights. Staff members included Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Decker, Mrs. Pilski, and Mrs. Shumaker.
The Silver Creek/ Forestville Unified Basketball Team and Silver Creek YAC would like to thank Special Olympics NY and UB Athletics for this opportunity and hope that this can become a yearly event to promote Unified Sports and Inclusion!