On February 21st, the Heritage, Arapahoe, and Littleton Unified teams played in an epic tri-school basketball game. Unified is a program for students with special needs to have a place to play sports, specifically basketball. The teams and communities gathered in the HHS main gym to support every single player.
The Heritage student government was a big part of making this game happen. Lexi H. ’26 is a part of this and stated that her favorite moment of the game was at the beginning, “when each unified player ran out into the gym and everyone cheered for them regardless of which team they were on.”
The gym was decorated with banners, a sea of students in jerseys, excited parents and family members, and handmade signs to support the teams.
The tri-school unified game was all about community within LPS and allowing special opportunities. The game was a unique experience for all students, where the energy was high in support, without the intention of winning.
All three LPS high schools are very competitive; however, this was left at the door when people walked in with smiles, ready to cheer on any shot. The crowd listened to music from the pep band, watched the cheers on the sidelines, and participated in the party cheer.
Jonathan S. ’26 is a player on the Heritage unified and when asked what he loved most about the game, he expressed, “I love teamwork.” He elaborates by saying, “I love making new friends and when a lot of kids come to my game.”
The unified game is so important because it embraces community, and allows special opportunities for students who wouldn’t otherwise get them. Lexi H. explains, “it helps people at Heritage who may not be included in normal sports feel more included and like they are a part of something.” Unified is a great opportunity for all students to engage in community. Make sure to come to one of the games next school year!