‘It’s amazing’: Nova Scotia high school hosts Special Olympics soccer tournament

Dozens participate in the Special Olympics Unified Sports Soccer Tournament.

The Special Olympics Unified Sports soccer tournament was held at Hants East Rural High School in Milford, N.S., Thursday. Athletes and spectators filled the gym for the friendly competition.

“This is our second annual Fall Frenzy unified soccer tournament,” said Amanda Nicholson, a learning support teacher. “Unified Sports provides the opportunity for high school students to play sports with peers with and without disability.”

Seven teams, 176 athletes and approximately 75 supporting staff members participated in Thursday’s tournament, Nicholson said.

“It’s a team effort from everybody’s perspective,” she said. “We also are very lucky to have partnered with the Halifax Wanderers for the second year in a row. This year they’re out meeting with our students and our athletes, cheering them on, really validating their sport.”

Nicholson said the event is a big team effort.

“We had so much community support,” said Audrey, a volunteer with Unified Sports. “We had multiple different foundations that donated, making this possible. We had so many students come to support and it means so much to our athletes.”

Audrey said Becca, who won a player of the game award, was thrilled to see fans in the bleachers cheering for her and her teammates.

“The athletes just love this,” said Nolah, a student-volunteer at Hants East. “It’s just so amazing just to see that.”

Nolah said she loves seeing the athletes – like her friend Claire – laughing, smiling and having fun.

“I feel like it’s important to have inclusive sports in our schools,” said Nicholson. “They do an amazing job at that with academics and behaviour and now we’re just including sports.”

In addition to soccer, Unified Sports offers floorball, bocce, basketball and baseball seasons.

“I think they just get a lot of pride and joy from this,” said Nolah. “It’s amazing. I’m so grateful just to have this event at our school.”

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