Unified Sports offers students with special needs an opportunity to play sports in a competitive, all the while supportive, environment.

It also provides the student peers, who serve as partners and assist the athletes, with a golden opportunity to learn and grow in their own right.

"I don't think the partners realize what they're getting into until they get involved, what they get in return, companionship, the growth they have," said Newtown High Unified Sports Coach Kathy Davey, whose soccer team wrapped up the fall season with a November 6 tournament at Staples High in Westport.

Ms Davey added that the partners also experience empathy.

The athletes, too, gain much more than an understanding of sports and teamwork. In fact, while there is a certain level of competition in games between schools, sportsmanship is the focus.

"They'll high-five the opponent and they'll congratulate the other team," Ms Davey said of the athletes, who bring being a good sport to a new level.

Participation remains strong, with 27 combined athletes and partners involved for the fall season. "Our numbers are still really high. We have more athletes involved which is really, really nice," Ms Davey said.

The Unified Sports program, which includes winter basketball and spring track and field, is a win-win for all involved, regardless of the score.

"It teaches kids they're more alike than they think. They have feelings and thoughts. No matter where you're from, you're all in it together," Ms Davey said.

"It's really fun, it's really rewarding," said Kyle Shelton, a Newtown sophomore and first-year partner in the program, adding that the best part about being involved is "just seeing everybody happy."

Similar to athletes in traditional sports, Unified Sports athletes work together and encourage each other while competing. Unlike traditional sports, the Unified Sports includes many athletes who require assistance, including some in wheelchairs.

Gabby Calbo, a junior, and another first-year partner, describes Unified Sports in comparison to traditional school athletics: "It's different in a positive way, experiencing how to work with other kids and help them improve themselves and push them to their limit."

Ann Rose is a mother of two students involved in the program: Maddie and Nicholas Rose.

"I think it is such a great opportunity for them to be with their peers as a team. I think it is very special. This is so unique in that they partner and they work in tandem with their peers," Ms Rose said. "That makes this invaluable."

Nicholas Rose summed it up by saying: "It's a great program overall."

Athletes and partners who practiced twice a week and participated in a handful of games and tournaments throughout the fall are Jessica Andreotta, Gabby Calbo, Jordan D'Amico, Kai-li Davey, Silas Decker, Rebecca DiDomizio, RJ Eller, Emma Farrington, Garrett Fitzpatrick, Logan Flynn, Andrew Hsieh, Yanni Kousidis, Jackie Magoon, Izzy Mawdsley, Danielle Mola, Eric Moore, Robbie Morrill, Johnny Nowacki, Timmy Rogers, Madeline Rose, Nicholas Rose, Kyle Shelton, Brian Smith, Sophia Spraggins, Ben Suckow, Jessica Viesto, and Matthew Vigneau.