For basketball enthusiasts, it’s an ideal setting. At any moment, two competitive games are taking place on one of three courts.

But these aren’t just any high school games. 

These are unified basketball teams, where students with and without intellectual disabilities play side by side. This approach, based on the belief that practicing and playing together encourages friendship and understanding, is advocated by Boston Iacobazzi, the Special Olympics Utah college-growth coordinator for unified champion schools.

The program has gained significant popularity in recent years, now with more than 200 high school coed unified basketball teams. Districts like Granite have supported the creation of tournaments, giving students more opportunities to play.

Cottonwood High player Nico Steven Gagliarei Campos had just finished his game and was watching a match between Cyprus and Skyline high schools. On another courts, Taylorsville squared up against Olympus.

“I love playing basketball and spending time with my teammates,” he said. “I enjoy sharing the ball and giving high-fives. My teammates and I support each other, and we always show respect. Sportsmanship is about the game of basketball and connecting with everyone.”

The sophomore learned the game from his dad and uncle.

“I love the game so much that I practice for two or three hours every single day, even though our team practices 30 minutes every other day. I focus on dribbling, rebounding, boxing out opponents and shooting around,” he said. “I’m always ready for a game.”

His teammate, Cottonwood sophomore Kennedi Hazzard, values the relationships built through basketball.

“I love helping others and meeting new people,” she said. “Basketball feels like a family. You make so many friends, and it’s so much fun. You get to hang out with them all day.”

Granger head football coach Pete Smolin was in another gym, cheering for the players.

“Most of these students are in unified PE; that is an awesome class,” he said. “We’ve been practicing basketball in the winter, soccer in the fall and track in the spring to prepare them for the unified sports seasons. brought six of my football players to join 22 unified kids on two teams. It’s a powerful experience to see people of all abilities working together.”

Through the unified model, Smolin believes everyone benefits, learning from one another.

“In our football program, we focus a lot on character and leadership development, and we also do a lot of community service, like this, about 100 hours every year. It helps develop the entire student-athlete,” he added.

Granger junior Ifo Pili, one of the football players, values his time on the court.

“This is a really great experience, and I’ve learned to have a lot of patience,” he said. “These guys are always upbeat, always have a smile on their faces. They have selfless joy, no matter the circumstances. We helped them learn the basic skills, but for them, it’s about enjoying the game and being part of a team that represents our school.”

Watching his school play Hunter High, Kearns High senior Mario Rivera admits he was initially hesitant about participating.

“At first, I was scared. I didn’t know how to help or teach these kids, or what to expect,” he said. “But once I came, I realized they’re just like me and everyone else. I just needed to talk to them and get to know them. I’ve helped in our unified PE class and as a peer tutor, and I have joined them during lunch. I give them high-fives in the hallways. Unified sports is a perfect fit because I love sports and enjoy working with kids. Seeing them smile and become friends is the best.”

Kearns High’s Special Education teacher Natalie Nelson has witnessed the friendships which have blossomed through the unified PE class and sports programs.

“It’s been a meaningful experience for all the kids, both with and without special needs,” she said. “They’re learning how to interact with each other, and those friendships often extend outside the classroom, with kids socializing in the hallways or eating lunch together. For parents, it’s an incredible experience to watch their kids participate in sports for the first time. There’s so much pride when they hear the crowd cheering for their child. It’s brought friendships, teamwork, self-pride, skill development, acceptance—so many positive outcomes.”

For Kearns junior Noah Williams, the boost in confidence is clear. 

“I’ve made 40 baskets,” he said. “I like winning.”

Unified teams from the Granite School District will competed in the regional tournament the week of March 10, with the state unified basketball tournament slated for March 26 at the Delta Center. λ