KDS Teams Connect with Unified Athletes

As part of a growing partnership with Special Olympics Colorado, two of Kent Denver’s spring athletics teams have had amazing opportunities to connect with unified athletes and teams in the Denver area. 

This past Saturday, KDS varsity girls soccer players welcomed the Colorado Rapids Unified Team to campus for a scrimmage, helping our visitors get ready for an upcoming match against Real Salt Lake. The unified team features athletes with and without intellectual disabilities who train, practice and compete together in a professional environment, and two of the supportive partners on the team include Kent Denver sophomores Sunand and Tomas! 

The weekend prior, the Sun Devils varsity boys lacrosse team hosted a clinic on campus for local unified athletes. This student-run camp allowed our athletes to teach participants sport-specific skills, all while engaging in fun drills and games throughout the morning. Both events were wonderful experiences for all involved, allowing our students to build connections and provide positive community experiences through sport. 

The continued partnership with the Special Olympics community is a school-wide effort here at Kent Denver. Earlier this month, 7th and 8th grade students in our Hacking Change Middle School elective pitched ideas for more events down the road that would provide additional opportunities for our students to support the organization and engage in meaningful experiences with these amazing athletes.