Unlocking Opportunities: How Unified Sports Empowers Alice Parents and Their Young Athletes

A new sports team in Alice is making waves as they head to the playoffs! This isn’t just any team—the Alice Coyotes are bringing a fresh approach to sports in Coyote Country, and parents are thrilled.

The newest tradition at Alice High School is the Unified Games, where athletes of all abilities come together to play. This program shines a spotlight on athletes with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to compete alongside their peers, which promotes acceptance and inclusion.

After their second win, the Alice Unified Sports Team is on a winning streak! Parents like Yvonne Tello are proud to see their children participate. Her son, Jordan Silva, a junior with autism, has always dreamed of playing sports.

“The district has done an amazing job in bringing these unified sports to our school,” Yvonne said. Her excitement was evident as she cheered for Jordan on the court.

Celeste Cruz, whose son Lucian is also a junior athlete on the team, echoed that sentiment. She believes that programs like this foster understanding and patience. “Every district should try to set up a team like this. It’s great for everyone involved,” she added.

When reporter Melissa Trevino from KRIS 6 News visited, she witnessed athletes hustling on the court. But Tammy Hortenstine, the Executive Director of Unified Programs, shared that it’s about more than just sports. “We’re friends on the field and off the field. This becomes a way of life,” she said.

Parents agree that Unified Sports are creating a welcoming environment for all children, regardless of their abilities. They hope to see more schools adopt similar programs, enriching the lives of many students.

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