Ten Alpine athletes went to Minneapolis to play basketball, and they returned with something far more valuable than their bronze medal.
Representing Team Utah, this team of Life Skills students and peer tutors from Westlake High School and ATEC-West competed at the Special Olympics USA Games. Competing in Interscholastic Unified Division 3 against some of the nation's best Unified teams. Proudly bringing home the bronze medal, the victory capped off six months of intense preparation and dedication.
"Being at the Special Olympics USA Games with this team was one of the most rewarding experiences of my coaching career," said head coach Loretta McClure. "The excitement and pride in their eyes is something I will never forget".
McClure has been a part of Alpine School District's Unified Sports program since 2018, helping athletes build confidence and skills on and off the court.
The Power of Unified Sports
The Unified Sports program pairs students with intellectual disabilities alongside peer tutors to compete together. Through these experiences, the district fosters a student-centered culture of excellence where every individual can succeed. Partners and athletes work in tandem, breaking down social barriers on the court, in the hallways and classrooms.
"I love basketball and hanging out with all the kids," said peer tutor Eli. He noted that traveling to the national tournament was high energy and genuinely a good time. "I have loved being with them and being able to learn from them because they all see the world in such an amazing way," Eli added.
This collaborative environment has profoundly changed the school community. "Unified has become more than a sports program; it is a culture of belonging that has positively impacted our entire school community," McClure said. She emphasized that when students work together, barriers disappear and everyone benefits.
Lives Transformed On and Off the Court
For parent Aimee Fuller, watching her son, Curran, compete was profoundly life-affirming. Curran had never participated on a sports team before joining Westlake's Unified program. The program dramatically boosted his self-esteem, social skills, and coordination. "Participating on the team gave him a group of friends and teammates who helped him come out of his shell and blossom into his authentic expression," Fuller said.
Student-athlete Ryker experienced a complete personal transformation through his participation on the team. Looking back, he recalled how far he has come: "Two years ago, I never imagined I would have the kind of friendships I have with my teammates today. I was always more of a loner and found it difficult to connect with others or let people into my life. This experience changed that.”
"My favorite part of competing with my team was experiencing both the highs and the lows together," Ryker shared. "Whether it was working through disagreements, overcoming challenges, or celebrating our successes, every moment taught me something about teamwork."
More Than a Scoreboard
In the end, the journey proved that the true measure of their success was never just about a score on a board.
"Going into the competition, I honestly did not expect us to win gold," Ryker said. "My goal was simply to see how far we could go as a team. Earning bronze exceeded my expectations, and I was genuinely surprised and proud that we achieved that result".
For Coach McClure, the medals are only a small piece of a much larger mission. She wants parents and the community to see these students for their abilities, not their limitations. "My assistant coaches and I […] work closely with each athlete to help them reach their full potential, both on and off the court," she said.
Ultimately, this journey was about what these young competitors proved they could achieve when given the chance to shine. By stepping out of their comfort zones, staying active, and supporting one another, they took home experiences that will shape their lives forever.
As Ryker reflected, "It taught me that meaningful experiences do not have to happen by chance. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to me, I learned that I can create those experiences for myself by staying involved, taking initiative, and remaining active".