Ten athletes from the Alpine School District returned from Minneapolis with a bronze medal after competing in basketball at the Special Olympics USA Games. Representing Team Utah, the group included Life Skills students and peer tutors from Westlake High School and ATEC-West who competed in the Interscholastic Unified Division 3.
Head coach Loretta McClure described the experience as one of the most rewarding moments of her coaching career, noting the pride displayed by the athletes following six months of intense preparation.
The Unified Sports program is designed to pair students with intellectual disabilities with peer tutors to compete together. According to McClure, who has been part of the program since 2018, the initiative helps build confidence and breaks down social barriers within the school community.
Peer tutor Eli noted that traveling to the national tournament was a high energy experience and expressed appreciation for what he could learn from his teammates. He stated that the athletes see the world in an amazing way.
For some participants, the impact of the program extends beyond athletics. Parent Aimee Fuller observed that the program helped her son, Curran, improve his self-esteem, social skills, and coordination, helping him blossom into his authentic expression.
Student-athlete Ryker shared how participation changed his ability to connect with others, noting that he previously struggled as a loner. He reflected on the importance of experiencing both the challenges and successes of teamwork.
While the team achieved a bronze medal, Ryker said earning that result exceeded his expectations, as his primary goal was to see how far the team could go.
Coach McClure stated that her mission is for the community to recognize the abilities of these students rather than their limitations. She and her assistant coaches work with each athlete to help them reach their full potential both on and off the court.
