Testimonials

Parent about his Athlete

"Jordan Taylor has been playing hoops in the SOOR system since early in grade school, but his great aspiration was to play for his high school unified team. Unfortunately, Southridge High School did not have such a program. He lobbied for its creation for years, but it never happened. Thus being able to join the Westview High unified team this year has been an extremely special experience. He has been thriving. Unified provides Jordan regular exercise that has helped significantly with weight issues and the games sate his innate competiveness, but more than anything else its the camaraderie of his team and his opponents and the sense that he is contributing equally with other athletes to the glory of CTP and Westview that hold the greatest meaning for Jordan and why unified teams are so important to special athletes. Joseph E. Taylor III."

Received 2/2023

A Partner's Reflection

"Unified sports has been one of the most influential things that I have participated in and I have done a lot. At first, I thought it would be another haphazard club a student put together but it wasn’t. Unified sports has meant so much to me over the past two years, it has helped me grow in so many ways and everyone on the team is always supportive. I never really understood how to have conversations with people with intellectual disabilities but I realize now that is no different than a normal conversation with anyone else, if anything I like it more. Unified sports is so influential to a lot of people and it is a place where so many different people can come together and simply be themselves. I have had a lot of challenges over this past year and Unified has been the one constant through all of it. I have met so many new people and made friends with people I wouldn’t even think to talk to during a school day. I have learned more than I could have ever imagined, not only about others but about myself too. I have learned how to connect with many different people, I have learned that I love helping others and being a leader, I have learned that no matter what there will always be people that have your back and who care about you, and one of the most important lessons I learned is that anyone can do anything. I love being able to get out of the house and compete in sports without all of the usual drama and negative talk and instead have fun. Watching the smile on peoples faces as they score and the constant cheering makes Unified one of the best places to be. We are like a family." - Hallie Larsen Received 3/2023

Parent about his partner

"These days there are many stories of kids being bullied. It is good to know there are kids still out there who have the patience, compassion, and empathy to work with other kids with special needs.

I am so proud that Jayce Chen has been taking the role as student leader for Unified Sports for the past 3 years. He recruited a bunch of his friends and his sister to join the team so kids with special needs can participate in soccer, basketball, and other activities. One of his friends mom thanked me because Jayce recruited her son on the team. She said he wrote that he participated in Unified Sports on his college applications and the interviewers wanted to know more about it.

I have noticed Jayce has blossomed and learned so much since working with these kids. I also need to thank his uncle Jim Cross for taking Jayce to lift at the gym. Jayce was shy, had low confidence, and did not have many friends in elementary and junior high. I remember in junior high he wrote several papers about kids being bullied and at times I saw him crying asked him if he was ever bullied but he denied it. Perhaps this is why he joined Unified Sports.

I knew he participated in it his freshman year but did not realize he took the role of student leader in his sophmore, junior, and senior year until tonight. I have also seen him interacting with his cousins, nieces, and mentoring younger kids in volunteer activities such as science ambassador and lion dance with great patience. He is very good with kids.

It gives me confidence whatever or wherever Jayce decides to go to college next year, he will have the confidence and leadership to do well. Unified sports at Westview is looking for someone to fill Jayce’s shoes so if you know of anyone please contact the special Ed teacher. I recommended Jasmin but she is too busy with her other sports. I hope the program continues since it is a win win for all.❤️" -- Ian Au

Received 2/2023

Parent about her Athlete

My son has been part of the Westview High School's Unified Sports for four years, starting in 9th grade. It was such a significant building block in building greater independence as well as contributing to his overall positive experience in high school. In 9th grade, he had to learn to manage his practice/game schedule and preparing to pack the right items in his backpack in the morning. Also, I trusted Coach Mary so much that his first away games were the first events ever where he did not have a family member accompany him. Unified Sports does a terrific job of making modifications and accommodations for every athlete, including my son. For some sports, he wants to participate, but not at the athlete level. He has been welcomed as an 'assistant coach' and cheerleader to still be able to travel with the team and participate in games.

As part of Unified Sports at Westview High School, my son got some experience in fundraising. He studied and earned his food handler's card in order to work in the concessions stand during soccer season. This was great practice in merchandising and retail sales. Also, he participated in the team's Special Olympics Polar Plunge.

Having Unified Sports at school has benefits greater than the athletes. Student coaches and players are also gaining leadership and organizational skills while managing and playing in the Unified Sports teams. The boys and girls soccer teams worked concessions and cheered from the sidelines when Westview hosted a soccer tournament.

Unified Sports is a key enabler towards Beaverton School District's mission, "to eliminating the structures, policies and practices that perpetuate inequalities in our schools and causes these differences to become predictors of future success. At BSD, all students are learners, capable of limitless possibilities.”

Thank you,

Tina Quan (mother to senior Brandon Ching)

Received 3/2023

Parent about her Partner

My daughter has participated as a helper with Unified Sports for the past two years during the fall and winter seasons at Westview High School. Prior to her involvement with the club, I was unaware of the program. I wish I had known more about this program sooner!

Having the opportunity to participate with other like minded students who are called to support and befriend atheletes of all abilities has been a joy to watch. She has met some amazing kids who are both helpers and athletes, and had the chance to grow friendships and participate in a club that is both competitive and fun. The program has given her opportunity to develop her leadership and advocacy skills, and feel like she is playing and helping while genuinely enjoying the sports. She likes all the participants and looks forward to every team activity.

As my daughter is interested in the education pathway at Westview, being able to participate with the Unified Sports program has given her a further chance to realize her passion for teaching and inclusion as she looks toward a future potential career in education.

I hope Unified Sports continues for all athletes and student helpers, it is a great program.

Jennifer Larsen

Received 3/2023

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