Hingham High's unified sports program receives national recognition

Aug. 26--HINGHAM -- The unified sports program at Hingham High is barely two years old but the great work being done is already getting national attention. The high school was notified by Special Olympics Massachusetts last week that Hingham have been chosen for National Banner recognition for its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities.

Hingham is one of 15 schools in the state to receive the honor for the 2019-2020 school year. Weymouth High and Tabor Academy also made the prestigious list and in all there were 155 schools chosen from across the country.

According to a press release from Special Olympics, "a National Unified Champion School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement, and respect for all members of the student body and staff. A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence. These standards were developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community."

"At Hingham High School, we don't just talk about inclusion and respect. We act on those values," Principal Rick Swanson said. "This is why unified sports took off so quickly at our school. Students and staff members alike bring those values to life every day. The guiding principles of unified sports align perfectly with the guiding principles of our school."

Hingham Athletic Director Jim Quatromoni said the success of the unified sports program is because of a team effort among the athletes, their partners and the coaches that make the program something that people want to be a part of. Close to a dozen athletes take part in the unified sports program and finding partners to work with them has not been a hard task at all with upward of 70 students stepping in to help out.

The high school presently offers unified options for bocci, basketball and track. Unified basketball traditionally takes place in the fall but this year will take place in the "Fall II" season because of COVID-19 concerns. That season takes place in 2021 from Feb. 22 to Apr. 25.

"This is a big honor and we are so proud of the recognition," Quatromoni said. "So many people have stepped up to make our unified sport program how special that it has quickly become. The friendships you see form between the athletes and the partners over the competition of sports is amazing to see."

Hingham High English teacher Courtney Bruno has coached the spring unified track program since 2018.

"Unified sports really is a wonderful program. The way I've seen the kids keep in touch after they leave the school has been so incredible," Bruno said. "Seeing the athletes compete and the support they get from everyone is amazing and the partners learn so much about leadership and the value of helping others by being a part unified sports."

HHS Assistant Principal Nicole Plantes was a leading force in getting the unified bocci program rolling at the high school several years ago. She said that, "receiving recognition as a National Unified Champion School makes me extremely proud of the work our students and staff have done to ensure Hingham High School is a place of acceptance and respect for all students.

"Providing the opportunity for students with and without disabilities to play alongside each other competitively builds friendships, understanding, joy and confidence to both athletes and partners. Meaningful change can start by simply having something in common, like playing on the same team, which helps bring down some of the barriers to social inclusion. From there, we have seen a ripple effect throughout our school where relationships are being made, and inclusion and acceptance continue to grow."

Bradford Matton is a three-season coach for the Harbormen, mentoring the unified track, freshman girls basketball and sub-varsity boys lacrosse programs.

"Being part of a team is a very special thing and the athletes get to experience it," Matton said."Participating in Unified sports, allows the partners to remember sports are fun, being on a team is a special thing and I truly believe Unified Sports helps them remember this, this past fall I saw a lot of pure joy on kids faces both athletes and partners."

Email the reporter at dwolcott@wickedlocal.com and you can follow him on Twitter, @DavidWolcott1.

___

(c)2020 Wicked Local South/Mariner, Marshfield, Mass.

Visit Wicked Local South/Mariner, Marshfield, Mass. at marshfield.wickedlocal.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.