On October 3 more than 300 students with and without disabilities came together for a day of fun, collaboration and inclusivity. The third annual Unified Sports day was hosted at Farmington Central High School and The Hambrick Foundation was proud to be part of the fun. We proudly provided a grant last fall to help the event grow (read all about it here).
The Unified Sports Day created an environment where students from 18 school districts across the tri-county area could engage in inclusive activities, strengthen social skills, and form lasting relationships.
"It is an honor to be a small part of the amazing collaboration between Farmington, SEAPCO (Special Education Association of Peoria County), and Special Olympics of Illinois," said Kasey Miller, Adapted Physical Education Teacher/Consultant at SEAPCO. “This day isn’t just about sports—it’s about social skills, teamwork, and creating lasting friendships.”
Thanks to funds from The Hambrick Foundation’s grant, the event featured an expanded sensory area with pop-up tents, sensory tables, bean bag chairs, swing chairs, and noise-canceling headphones, allowing every student to feel comfortable and included in the day’s activities.
“This event is a unique opportunity for students with and without disabilities to come together, compete, and have fun in a supportive environment,” Miller said. "We had so many smiling faces."
With the help of SEAPCO behavior consultants and volunteers, the day offered students a wide variety of sports and games, promoting collaboration, sportsmanship, and fun. The success of the event was evident in the enthusiasm and smiles of the students throughout the day.
The Hambrick Foundation is honored to support such an inclusive and impactful event, helping students build connections that will positively influence their school year.
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