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By rdnewsNOW Staff

inclusivity, understanding, friendship

Red Deer’s Notre Dame High School deems inaugural ND Unified Cougar Classic a success

Apr 26, 2024 | 4:20 PM

École Secondaire Notre Dame High School (NDHS) says their first annual ND Unified Cougar Classic was a success.

Officials say this inaugural event on April 12 has taken a significant step in fostering inclusivity, understanding, and friendship within the school community.

READ: École Secondaire Notre Dame High School hosting 1st Annual ND Unified Cougar Classic

“The ND Unified Cougar Classic was less about competition and more about connections. Witnessing athletes and partners playing together, laughing, and supporting one another truly underscored that sports go beyond winning—they are about crafting a community where everyone feels they belong,” said NDHS Unified Head Coach Alison Snow about the atmosphere.

The school describes the Classic as epitomizing the spirit of teamwork and mutual respect inherent in Unified Sports, by integrating athletes with intellectual disabilities and partners without into cohesive teams.

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Along with Unified Sports teams from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School and Eckville Jr/Sr High School, the Notre Dame Cougars welcomed a total of 90 participants for a day of recreational competition in bean bag toss and 3-on-3 basketball, interspersed with lunch and dancing. Coach Erin McCorquindale noted the joy of seeing students from three different schools unite for fun and camaraderie, complete with a spirited conga line.

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NDHS Unified athlete Hailey Morin shared her personal experience.

“I thought the first annual Unified Cougar Classic was awesome! I was nervous at first, but once I met new people, I felt comfortable and safe on the court with everyone,” she said.

Officials say the event resonated with laughter and cheers as the school grounds were filled with the vibrant energy of students, staff, families, sponsors, and fans supporting the athletes and partners. They state the overwhelming success has firmly established the ND Unified Cougar Classic as a foundational event in the school’s ongoing commitment to acceptance and support for all students.

Looking forward, Coach Snow expressed optimism about the future impact of the event.

“The momentum of learning and understanding generated by this year’s classic promises to have a lasting influence on our school community. We are eagerly anticipating our second annual event,” she said.

For further details or inquiries, contact Coaches Alison Snow, Erin McCorquindale, or Reid Mills at École Secondaire Notre Dame High School.

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