For most high schools, sporting events with rival schools are a time-honored tradition that bring out the fiercest competition.
For students playing in the DSD Unified Soccer Tournament, however, rivalries are put aside and the feeling on the field is starkly different than your average game.
Every athlete is met with cheers and high-fives when they walk on the field, no matter which jersey they wear or their level of athletic ability. Spectators rally from the sidelines for every goal, regardless of which school scores. At Unified Sports events, everyone is welcome and encouraged to play.
Unified Sports is a unique inclusive program that merges players with and without intellectual disabilities into one team. This format encourages a balanced, competitive environment and fosters inclusion, understanding and friendships beyond the field. In addition to soccer, the district also hosts co-ed basketball and track and field events during the year.
The soccer tournament is part of Utah First Lady Abby Cox’s Show Up Initiative and is a joint effort of the Davis School District and the Davis Education Foundation. This year’s event, held at the Legacy Event Center in Farmington, was sponsored by Big O Tires.