| Sheila Myhaver, Coach – MSAD 15 staff |
Chances are you are at least somewhat familiar with local sporting events, whether at the school, recreational, or travel level. But have you ever heard of Unified basketball, or better yet, witnessed this amazing sport in action?
Unified sports bring people together in a way that is both fun and meaningful for the participants and the spectators, promoting both inclusion and camaraderie among peers. In particular, Unified basketball is played with similar-aged students with and without intellectual disabilities (known as athletes and partners). The rules are very similar to other basketball games you may have seen, with some slight modifications. Three athletes and two partners are on the court at all times, with the partners helping to direct play. Leeway is given to athletes in regards to some of the rules, but somehow the game play remains both competitive and cooperative among teammates and opponents.
To watch a Unified basketball game is an experience like no other. Fans and players alike cheer for everyone, no matter which team they came to root for. The crowd absolutely erupts when a 3-point shot is sunk or an athlete goes in for a breakaway layup. A rebound from a missed shot often results in a second or even third chance for the shooter, as the rebounder may choose to hand it back whether they are on offense or defense. You can’t help but smile to watch these young people play this game in such a supportive way, while keeping the game exciting and competitive.
Many local high schools and middle schools now offer Unified basketball, and the season is going on now.
You still have time to catch a game at Gray-New Gloucester High School and admission is FREE:
- Monday, March 7 at 3:00 pm GNG vs. Greely
- Tuesday, March 8 at 3:30 pm GNG vs. Old Orchard Beach
- Monday, March 14 for the Unified Basketball Festival
- 3:00 – 3:15 GNG vs. Brunswick/Yarmouth
- 3:20 – 3:35 Freeport vs. GNG
- 3:40 – 3:55 Sacopee vs. Freeport
- 4:00 – 4:15 Brunswick/Yarmouth vs. Sacopee
- 4:20 – 4:35 Fryeburg vs. Brunswick/Yarmouth
- 4:40 – 4:55 Freeport vs. Fryeburg
- 5:00 – 5:15 Sacopee vs. GNG
- 5:20 – 5:35 Brunswick/Yarmouth vs. Freeport
- 5:40 – 5:55 Fryeburg vs. Sacopee
- 6:00 – 6:15 GNG vs. Fryeburg
Come see a game and cheer on the teams. Your heart will be happy you did, and the young players will love your support!
Sheila Myhaver is currently an instructor with MSAD 15 Adult Education and has been with the district for 15 years in a variety of capacities. She and Jeff Duquette have coached Unified Basketball for six seasons.
