Tuckahoe Middle recognized for unified sports teams by Special Olympics USA
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On Feb. 8, students at Tuckahoe Middle School cheered on their classmates of all abilities as they faced off against another unified basketball team from Quioccasin Middle School.
Athletes on the school’s inclusive basketball team were beaming as their peers chanted their names and ecstatically celebrated each basket.
Tuckahoe was one of nine Virginia schools named a National Unified Champion by the Special Olympics USA this month. The award celebrates the school’s unified sports teams, which include both students with and without intellectual disabilities.
Along with a unified basketball, Tuckahoe also offers unified track and field and just added a unified cornhole team this year. On each of the teams, students of all abilities practice, train and play together as teammates.
The Unified Sports program was developed by the Special Olympics USA to create school sports teams that have an approximately equal number of athletes with intellectual disabilities and athletes without intellectual disabilities who are of a similar age and athletic ability.
Tuckahoe is the first school in Henrico Schools to achieve the National Banner status. To become a National Unified Champion, schools must create several unified sports teams and meet other standards such as developing youth leadership and generating positive engagement from the entire school community.
Tuckahoe is also the only school in Virginia to be selected as an ESPN Honor Roll School and even received a shout-out on SportsCenter and an ESPN plaque.
