Members of the Newtown High School Blue Blaze basketball team, part of the state’s Unified Sports program which provides competitive sports opportunities for special needs students, displayed their teamwork, skills, and athleticism in a game against the visiting Bunnell of Stratford Bulldogs on January 29. The athletes brought out their competitive edge for a fun-filled and action packed 40-minute game.

Assisted by partners, some of whom are traditional high school athletes, the Unified Sports participants dribble, pass, shoot, and score during basketball practices and games throughout the winter. The partners can rebound, pass, and give pointers to their peers, but it is up to the athletes to score the baskets. During games, there are three athletes and two partners on the floor at all times.

There are high-fives after baskets, postgame handshakes, and a great display of sportsmanship — both in sharing the ball with teammates and showing concern for opposing players.

Newtown’s cheerleaders were among the 150-plus fans in attendance supporting the basketball enthusiasts, and the cheer team also has a program for special needs athletes — the Spirit Squad — which gets an opportunity to show off their stunting skills during breaks and halftime of the varsity boys’ and girls’ games.

Newtown Athletic Director Gregg Simon points out that the Unified Sports teams typically go to tournaments — the Blue Blaze was scheduled to participate in a tourney in Shelton on Wednesday, and will compete in another at Bunnell High in March — and adds that head-to-head games at schools create an opportunity for the Unified Sports students to perform in front of cheering fans. Mr Simon is optimistic that there will be more of these varsity gamelike scenarios for the Blaze and other teams in the Unified Sports program.

“This is a great thing — an opportunity to participate in athletics that they’d never have,” Gerry Mucci, head coach of the Bulldogs, said of playing in front of the crowd at Newtown High.

Jason “J” Edwards served as public address announcer, just as he does for the other Newtown High teams, giving the Unified Sports athletes the thrill of hearing their names announced after scoring hoops and checking into the game.

Mr Simon notes that high school athletics produce a lot of great opportunities — from success in games to fundraising efforts off the courts and playing fields — but that the Unified Sports programs are the ones that leave the biggest impression on him.

“These types of events are truly my favorite — it’s just everything that’s good about high school athletics,” he said.

Newtown Coach Kathy Davey started the Blue Blaze team along with student/coach Nick Rubino only a year ago. Nick said the program began with about a dozen athletes a year ago. Organizers expected the numbers to grow, Nick said, and 25 jerseys were ordered. When 35 participants joined this year, the Blaze had to use some of the freshman basketball team uniforms for their season-opening game. Needless to say, the quick growth of the team is encouraging for Nick and the rest of the coaches. Nick is hopeful the Unified Sports program trickles down to the middle and elementary schools in the years to come.

“It’s so much fun giving kids an opportunity to play in formal sports leagues,” Nick said.

Tess Baldino and Kira Flynn are among the returning partners who help guide the athletes. Members of the Newtown coaching staff include Margaret O’Callaghan, Sallie Barlow, Kirsten Tuz, Judy Watts, Alice Owens, and Dawn Tolomeo.

In the contest with Bunnell, the Blue Blaze prevailed 60-54. Regardless of the outcome, the opportunity for these students to play basketball makes for a winning scenario for both teams — and for the athletes and partners alike, said Devin Luzietti, a Blue Blaze partner.

“At the end of the day they’re having a good time, we’re having a good time — so everybody really wins here,” Devin said.

“It’s rewarding for everybody — It’s a win-win for everybody,” Coach Davey said. “Nobody loses here.”

More than 100 of 144 eligible high schools in the state have a Unified Sports program, many of which include basketball. For more information on Unified Sports, visit casciac.org.