University of Northern Colorado hosts a unified basketball halftime show during the women’s game against the University of Montana

On Jan. 12, the University of Northern Colorado delighted at the Bank of Colorado Arena with a special halftime show. Teams from Windsor High School and Greeley Central came together to play a game at halftime in front of nearly 800 fans at the women’s game.

Caleb Couch (12), who has been playing unified basketball since sixth grade, said, “I was very nervous for the start of the game.”

This halftime game was part of the university’s ongoing commitment to promote inclusivity through unified sports, a program hosted through the Special Olympics. Unified sports create an environment where everyone can be equal. It gives students with intellectual or physical disabilities a way to play alongside their peers without disabilities, allowing a way to increase teamwork, mutual respect and belonging. 

Coach Lori Couch, director of development at the Arc of Weld County, went out during halftime to give a speech to all the fans. “Those who don’t have a family member with disabilities, they are often not even invited to the arena,” L. Couch said. “’We’re standing outside, and these guys don’t get a chance to participate.”

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans and parents cheered on the athletes. Players of both teams showed off impressive dribbling and three-point attempts. While the game’s duration was short, the memories for the athletes will be forever.

C. Couch said, “I loved playing basketball with all my friends. I want to go play again.”

The WHS unified basketball season just began and will go through the end of March. The first game is this Friday, Jan. 24.

L. Couch said, “These individuals can do hard things. They have never been given the chance to do hard things, and they are working hard to do hard things.”

For many fans in the stands, witnessing the unified basketball team in action was a reminder of the unifying power of sports. Parents and families of the players expressed their gratitude to UNC for creating such an inclusive opportunity. 

As the final buzzer sounded on the unified game, players from both teams came together for high fives, hugs and the team photo with the UNC mascot. The smiles on their faces were evidence of the joy and sense of community they felt. Player Jackson Wall (12) said, “This is the happiest I’ve seen some of the athletes. This was really an experience I won’t forget about.”