Leadership summit unifies schools, students

STEUBENVILLE -- More than 50 school students and educators gathered in Steubenville on March 13 to learn how sports and intentional activities could build inclusion during the Jefferson County Side-By-Side--Unified! Youth Leadership Summit.

Special Olympics Ohio Unified Champion Schools, in partnership with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, held the event at JCBDD's Jeffco Center to help develop unified sports and related activities at area schools. The day included speeches, lunch and festivities all geared toward fostering leadership and inclusion in the schools. Unified sports programs join traditional students and athletes with developmental disabilities for fun games such as flag football, basketball, track and soccer, but they can also take part in clubs and other school activities to forge friendships and unbreakable bonds.

Kristi Peters, director of youth engagement for Special Olympics Ohio Unified Champion Sports, said Jefferson was the first county in Ohio to have all of its schools participate and representatives for Indian Creek, Edison, Steubenville and Buckeye Local were on hand for the summit. She added that officials have also reached out to Toronto and other schools and she was pleased to see those in attendance.

"The students are engaged. I'm so excited for what they're going to bring to the schools and share. When the sky's the limit, the possibilities are endless," she said. "Our goal is to create teams in each school and all over Ohio and to have lifetime involvement in Special Olympics. The average age is 33 and this is breathing new life into it."

Keynote speaker was Cookie West, community facilitator for JCBDD, who shared that everyone can contribute despite differences. She quoted tennis ace Martina Navratilova, who said: "Disability is a matter of perception. If you do one thing well, you are needed by someone."

"I encouraged them to use their abilities to be unified. Everybody can contribute to this effort of making a unified generation," West commented. "A year ago, we had a vision [of creating unified sports in the county], and now we're seeing the fruit of it with nearly 60 students and educators with a mindset of making this county more inclusive. It's not just talking the talk; they're walking the walk."

Other highlights included breakout sessions to gather ideas for school activities, giveaways, lunch and networking to meet each other and learn how they can bolster inclusion and make an impact. Officials sought ideas and responses included miniature golf to bowling and band.

"It doesn't stop there. There are so many things we can do in a unified way," Peters told the crowd, and shared the QR code to the A-Z Club Activity Guide for further ideas. "The execution of a unified inclusive club and a unified inclusive community…is easy. The adults with you will help lead the way and create opportunities for all students."

She said Special Olympics is known for its sports, but it has also spawned leadership through clubs, friendships and engagement. Opportunities range from volunteerism and youth ambassadorships to participation in the USA and World Games. Peters continued that participants gained grant funding and developed fitness challenges that have proven successful.

"The opportunities are endless. Imagine what you can do, imagine where you can go, somewhere greater. You're on the cusp of it today."

Indian Creek High School has been leading the way with unified sports, creating its own football and basketball teams thus far with a track team also eyed. The school has received uniforms from the Cleveland Browns, which serves as UCS sponsors, which can outfit all of those teams as well as soccer. Advisor Tom Mort and about a dozen students attended the summit and were excited to be part of it all.

"I like it because it includes everybody," said student James Donaldson.

"It's fun and I like having sports activities," added student Kaleb Maniar.

Mort added that he's held discussions with Dr. Kaybeth Calabria of Franciscan University of Steubenville, who had OVAC funding put aside but offered to give $5,800 toward unified sports. He chose to share the allocation with the other schools for future activities.

Edison is another district aiming to begin teams in its high school, and they have also garnered jerseys from the Browns. Advisor Jason Ensminger is looking to start a track team this spring and a football team in the fall. Several of his students were happy to see the program coming to life at their school.

Alaina Warren said it was cool to have unified sports at Edison High School and she hopes everyone gets involved.

"I like making friends," Warren added.

Schoolmate Kaden Eddy noted he likes sports and was excited to play, especially basketball.

Steubenville High School has already participated by joining ICHS in a Turkey Bowl flag football matchup in November. Students there were also excited to get the ball rolling and hold events at their school.

"It can impact our school for the better," said Emme Pierce.

"It will make them feel welcome," added Jalen Minniefield.

"I think it will be beneficial for the people of this community," commented schoolmate Abdul Smith.

Meanwhile, Buckeye Local High School was gaining interest and hoped to begin activities in the near future.

"We are very hopeful to get things started at Buckeye Local," said student Lexie Leach. "We're looking at a golf team like Indian Creek mentioned and different club ideas."

Steve Forte, activities director for JCBDD and Jefferson County Special Olympics, said Indian Creek led the way and he was pleased to see the program spreading to other school districts.

"(Indian Creek has) done very large events and we are serving as connectors to other schools to get them started," Forte added. "They were excited (at the leadership summit) and it's something they can call their own."

Peters said zoom meetings will be held each month as the unified sports teams develop in the schools, while the leadership summit will be held on an annual basis. Unified Champion Sports includes grades PreK-12 and more information is available at www.sooh.org