Lindsay Thurber hosts third annual Unified Sports Jamboree

The tournament included students from not only Lindsay Thurber but also from other schools in the area, competing in basketball and bean bag throw.

(Image Credit: Sheldon Spackman/rdnewsNOW)

Seven schools took part in the tournament, marking an opportunity for students to meet people from other schools.

“It’s pretty awesome because this is our third event, and in the first year we had three schools, so we are over double that already,” Grenier said.

Unified Sports is a part of Special Olympics programming and is designed to break down barriers by pairing students with intellectual disabilities and their student partners on the same teams.

“It’s such a unique opportunity for everybody to come together, unify, and watch these athletes compete and have fun. The support is amazing. We ask for things and try to get things organized, it’s just incredible how many people are there to lend a hand or help out.”

(Image Credit: Sheldon Spackman/rdnewsNOW)

Grenier added that he hopes the athletes who take part in the Jamboree gain a fun, positive memory.

Whether it’s a fun shot they make or a new friend they meet, he said anything the students take away from the experience is a win.

“Thanks to everyone who’s helped make this a success and continues to make this a success. I’d like to see this program grow across central Alberta, and I think they’ll continue on that trajectory. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

by Ian Gustafson and Sheldon Spackman

Lindsay Thurber hosts third annual Unified Sports Jamboree

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