On April 8, Hauppauge Middle School’s unified basketball team played a great first game in front of a packed house filled with proud parents, enthusiastic fans, and spring athletes from other Hauppauge Middle School teams. The energy in the gym was electric as our school community came together to cheer on this exciting and meaningful initiative.
Unified basketball at Hauppauge Middle School, offered in partnership with Kings Park Middle School, is an inclusive program that brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team. Inspired by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHSAA) collaboration with Special Olympics New York, the program promotes friendship, teamwork, and school pride.
In the first game of this inaugural series, the Eagles of Hauppauge Middle School faced off against the Kingsmen of William T. Rogers Middle School. Both teams put on an incredible display of sportsmanship, teamwork, and competitive spirit. Players supported one another with high-fives, cheers, and well-timed assists, making it a truly inspiring event for everyone in attendance.
Thank you to the dedicated coaches who made this game possible: Tracy Borchers and Jessica Kulesa led the Hauppauge team, while Elizabeth Manly and Victoria Gentile guided the Kings Park athletes. Their preparation, encouragement, and leadership were evident throughout the game.
Thank you to everyone who supported the event, from the fans in the stands to the staff and families who made it all possible! We are so proud to offer our students this opportunity to represent Hauppauge and to build meaningful connections through sport.
Stay tuned for more as we look ahead to the away game at William T. Rogers Middle School on April 23!