by Jack S.

Ms. Salcedo is the ELAR teacher and the sponsor of the Special Olympics Unified Champions Club. One of the big events she helps organize with Coach Gilbert is Fans in the Stands, an official Unified event where students of various needs (athletes and partners) team up to participate in basketball activities while the crowd, made up of students, teachers, and parents, cheers them on.

During the event, each athlete is paired with a partner who supports them throughout the activities. “Having a partner helps build teamwork and creates a strong sense of collaboration and connection between students,” Ms. Salcedo explained. The goal is to make sure everyone has a fair and balanced opportunity, allowing students to showcase their strengths and learn from one another.

The hardest event to set up, and to play, is the basketball shooting game. “It’s tricky to figure out the best setup and where players should take their shots from,” Ms. Salcedo said. If some athletes have trouble making baskets, then we will modify the basketball hoop. The athletes also play other games such as passing the ball off the wall or aiming for the backboard.

The students will be in the stands while the event is happening. “We try to get all of the AHJS students to the boys’ gym or girls’ gym for both events,” said Ms. Salcedo. These students will be cheering them on and helping them get through the event by encouraging them to get to the end.