Unified hoops, high fives, and good vibes at VTSU
On March 13th, The Student Athlete Advisory (SAAC) and College Steps hosted a unified basketball game here at Castleton University. The game brought together the Castleton Community to watch and cheer on their fellow athletes and classmates.
The crowd was in an uproar. The stands were filled with chanting as the game intensified. Not only was it evident that the fans were having a great time, but the energy and work put in by the players really made the game. Player Kolby Mead emphasized his amusement towards the sport.
“I enjoyed playing in the unified game…My favorite part about playing in the game is being able to play a competitive game for fun again just like I did in high school. I would absolutely want to do it again.”
The unified basketball game is an exciting way to bring both athletes and the student body together. Jasmine Tirado Viscalla, student specialist for College Steps, elaborated on the impact this game has on the Castleton community.
“I think it brings so many people together. It’s just great to see everyone kind of come together for this event because they know how much it means for the College Steps students. Parents even reach out afterwards thanking me, saying how much fun their kids had.
It just speaks volumes.”
One could definitely feel the camaraderie of the event through the fans and the players. Everyone involved was constantly cheering, and the players loved interacting with the fans.
There were times when a basket would be shot, and the players would call certain things out to the fans or wave their hands in search of louder applause. You could tell everyone there was having fun.
Emily Douglas, leader of SAAC, added how fun of an environment the unified game is.
“As soon as you show up at 12 o’clock to do setup, everyone’s just so happy to be there. Just the environment within that gym for the two hours we’re in there is really good. It’s very positive, very supportive. It’s just fun.”
Douglas further emphasized the positive setting of the game.
“I think it’s just a fun atmosphere to be a part of, whether you’re an athlete, a bystander, a coach. Whatever role you had that day, you could not walk away and say it was not fun.”
The game ended with a score of 51- 42, with the home team securing the win.
Ultimately, the Unified games are a great way to bring the campus together and give opportunities to students who cannot be involved in a collegiate sport.
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