By Valerie Bravo, SHS Student Writer
Salem High School’s Lions Unified club is preparing for its ninth annual unified basketball game on March 15, an event that has become a cornerstone of inclusion and community spirit in Washington County. Game time is 6 p.m.
The game, which features two teams — Black and Gold — composed of athletes from Washington County Special Olympics, as well as Lions Unified members, reflects a decade-long commitment to uniting students with disabilities and restrictions.
“Unified activities kicked off at our school over 10 years ago,” said the club’s head Angela Phipps, who helped evolve the program from a unified track team into today’s Lions Unified initiative. “Mr. Weedin and Mr. Smith approached me about starting a unified track team as part of the Champions Together program with Special Olympics Indiana. We wanted to bring students together, and that vision has grown ever since.”
SHS was among the first recognized as a Champions Together School in 2016 and has grown its commitment to fostering inclusion. With roughly 50 official club members each year, Lions Unified has taken the idea of unified sports further than many other Indiana schools. The club’s efforts extend beyond the court, reviving love at the Special Olympic events and in the community for promoting acceptance and respect.
Every year, students manage nearly every aspect of the game: from coaching to officiating, announcing, playing, running the clock and even collecting donations.
“The goal was to have this event run as much as possible by students,” Phipps explained. “We come together for a ‘Unified practice’ the week before the game, on March 9. It’s almost as fun to watch as the game itself and it builds relationships while having a great time.”
While the friendly contest never ends in disappointment, it is rewarding to the players for their hard work and desire—the real prize is the laughter and camaraderie shared by participants.
“There are no prizes and no bragging rights, but there are LOTS of laughs,” Phipps noted.
Community support is vital, with the greatest contribution being a full house on game day. Fundraisers and on-site donations also help support Lions Unified’s wide range of activities, from monthly meetings to club field trips. One way they fundraise is by selling Lions Unified t-shirts, which the athletes wear at the game. This year’s shirts say, “I wouldn’t change you for the world. But I would change the world for you.”
But the biggest support they can get is a crowded gym for game time.
“We love to see the bleachers full on game day,” Phipps said. “Every bit of support from the community makes this our favorite event of the year.”
The impact of the game extends far beyond a single day.
“I hope it has made a meaningful impact on each of them,” Phipps added, noting that many former Lions Unified members continue to promote inclusion and volunteer with Special Olympics long after graduating.
With its road to victory, it always comes to the rich history and student leadership. It isn’t just a basketball game, it’s a testament to the unity and power of sports.