Unified sports comes to campus

St. Bonaventure University partnered with Special Olympics New York on Tuesday, hosting a Unified Basketball Competition.
The university has been affiliated with Special Olympics since 2007 and has held basketball competitions for the past five years, beginning only with participants from the Olean and Allegany schools.
Over the years, the program expanded to include students of grades 4 through 12 of all abilities from Allegany-Limestone, Olean, Portville and Franklinville.
This year, Salamanca school district participated for the first time.
Students met in the Reilly Center for the opening ceremonies and the carrying of the torch. Representatives from the various participating schools and members of the community performed the national anthem.
Students with and without disabilities played on the same team in three, 20-minute unified basketball competitions.
Paula Scraba, O.S.F and an associate professor in the school of education, helped to coordinate this event.
“This is what St. Bonaventure is about, relationships,” Scraba said. “The mission of Special Olympics and the mission of St. Bonaventure University are the same.” Scraba emphasized the importance of this event, not only for St. Bonaventure but for the surrounding community as well.
“This is where unity begins,” Scraba said.
This is the third year that Scraba’s senior forum class, Clare 401, participated as volunteers during this event.
“We’re here for each other to promote respect for yourself, respect for the other and respect for the environment,” Scraba said. “As we say in my class, ‘Go Bona’s!’
Brianna Rivera, a volunteer for Dr. Paula’s Special Olympic course, ran the media for this event and participated in the torch run during the opening ceremonies.
She said this day meant something to her because it introduced her to the Special Olympics and gave her a greater appreciation for it.
“Many people don’t have affiliation with people with special needs and don’t seem to understand that those with special needs still want to participate,” Rivera said. “This event brings awareness to people on the topic of disabilities.”
Volunteering changed her views on helping those with special needs too, Rivera said.
“Prior to this event, I had no experience and now I do which is pretty cool,” she said.
Bob Breidenstein, the superintendent of schools for Salamanca, attended the event for the first time this year.
“I think the Unified program is so important because it creates a sense of teamwork and comradery with students of all different abilities and levels,” he said.
Breidenstein also said that he appreciates the friendships and relationships built with his students through this program.
“This is just a great opportunity for everyone to come together from the students, coaches and athletes of this community,” he said.
Students interested in volunteering for this event next year can do so through a sign-up sheet sent in a Notice Board email.