Unified Basketball Homecoming Game Celebrates Athletes, Inclusion

Sometimes, the final score of a game doesn’t speak to the true winners on the day. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Eastchester’s Unified Basketball team held its annual homecoming contest, welcoming athletes from Mamaroneck to share in a day that celebrated not only athletic competition but the effect that inclusion can have on a community. 

Eastchester’s Unified Program promotes competition featuring athletes both with and without intellectual disabilities. Initially beginning with basketball, the offerings—and participation—have since grown in the district.

“Every year is a new year, and you’ve got different students and we’re lucky enough to have a lot of returners,” said Hannah Sullivan, who serves as the Unified Basketball Co-Coach along with Michele Fusca. “Over the years, we’ve gotten more participants, both athletes and partners, and it’s great to see. Students want to join, people come out to support the event, and you can see that inclusivity and unity is really flowing throughout the school.”

Each year, the basketball homecoming game serves as a capstone event for the Unified Program. On Wednesday, students, families, teachers and community members packed the gym to cheer on the Eagles, creating a true celebratory atmosphere that rivaled the scene at any sporting contest held throughout the year. 

“The students see it, they know it’s homecoming, and they get so excited for it each year,” said Fusca. ”“It’s just awesome to see the atmosphere before, during and after the game.”

Junior Ellyanna Convery has been working with the Unified Athletes since her freshman year, and said that the program has been transformative, not only for the students participating in the program but also in terms of making Eastchester High School seem like a more welcoming place. 

“When I was younger, I did Challenger and Backyard Sports, and I loved the feeling you get from doing it,” said Convery. “It’s such a happy and inclusive community where nobody is left out.

Senior Kiera McDonagh concurred with Convery’s take, noting that being a part of the Unified Program along with her brother Thomas has been a transformative experience for both siblings. 

“Having a brother on the team, I can tell how much he enjoys coming to school because of it, which is really fun to see,” she said.

“You can see how many kids came out today,” added 11th grader Caitlin Wagner. “You can see how much the community cares.”