Unified Game Hosted By MVHS

By GABRIELLE SHIOZAWA

Moapa Valley Progress

The Special Olympics basketball game that took place at Moapa Valley High School (MVHS) on Thursday, Feb. 7 can be described by just one word: joy!

Thirteen special education students from MVHS and Virgin Valley High School in Mesquite, along with four basketball players and four student council members, joined forces on the court in a unifying effort between the two valleys. Both schools’ student councils, along with students and community members, filled the bleachers to cheer in support.

The event began with MVHS Student Body President Gannon Hanevold introducing each of the participants. They stepped forward excitedly and were met with thunderous applause.

Next, student Cayson McClure, assisted by his sister Ashlynn, read the Special Olympic Athlete’s Oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Every player got the chance to shoot, dribble and work together. Their actions were met with enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience.

During the game’s halftime, MVHS junior Hailey Williams asked Cayson McClure to the upcoming Reverse dance, much to his surprise. The athletes then all joined in an impromptu dance party for the remainder of the break.

The enthusiasm escalated during the second half of the game with no one paying attention to the score; a victory for either team was a victory for all.
“It’s a unified game where we put students with and without disabilities on the same court,” said Harry Mong, senior director of Nevada’s Special Olympics program.
Mong explained that the overall lack of interaction between special education and general education students can create hesitancy and can inhibit the development of friendships.

“By creating this unified environment, it makes it a whole lot more welcoming and creates an inclusive campus,” he said.

While MVHS and VVHS students have been involved in Special Olympics for many years, this is the first time it has come to Moapa Valley. Suzanne Garlick, who teaches special education at MVHS, and Debby Dorn, the local director for Mesquite Special Olympics, were instrumental in making the move and organizing the event. Hosting the event at MVHS made it more accessible and gave everyone an opportunity to be involved.

MVHS basketball players Lainey Cornwall and Emilie Barraza were touched by the experience.

“I’m so honored to be able to be a part of this!” Barraza said. “I don’t typically see these kids at school, so having this opportunity to get to know them was really great.”
Cornwall added that the kids she interacted with were amazing.
“They’re definitely better people than I am!” she said. “They are honestly the sweetest of spirits, the sweetest people I’ve met.”

Cayson McClure was overjoyed by the experience.
“It was the greatest day ever!” McClure said. “Thank you guys so much for this epic game. We had so much fun with you. It was awesome to work hard and do everything we did! I had fun. I just want to thank everybody for cheering me on.”