Unified Sports, a program picked up at WHS in 2019, helps influence Watertown students to participate in inclusion. On November 16th, the program received The National Banner Unified Champion School, which recognizes the students and teachers involved and the outstanding work put into the sport. The award was given in front of the whole school at the Pep Rally.

Mrs. Wolf, the coach of the students, transferred to WHS from Swift Middle School in 2019, carrying the program with her that she started there. She coaches along with Mrs. McBride, the assistant coach, Ms. Blatherwick, a volunteer, and Mr. Southard, WHS P.E. teacher. They help with the 50 students attending the program, teaching them skills for the various sports. The senior student captains of the Unified Sports team are Josh Olsen, Daniela Perugin, Josh Guertin, and Jordan William.

The sports included are divided by the seasons played; Fall has kickball and soccer, which recently stopped due to the Winter sports coming in: basketball and volleyball. During Spring time, the team does track and field, wiffle ball, and corn hole. The sports are played at different schools and in competitions. Oxford High School is a usual spot for the students, as well as Torrington and Bristol. The CIAC, Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, holds tournaments for these programs.

The National Banner Unified Champion Schools is an award that all the students can take pride in. Mrs. Wolf mentions, “It’s important for us to recognize the hard work and the excitement the kids have for the program. It highlights the importance that we at Watertown High School believe inclusion is for everyone.” The recognition had the students who participated in the sports enthusiastic, because they knew all their effort and participation invested into the program had paid off. 

The team has been attempting to spread awareness of the Unified Sports Program by: placing posters around the school, announcing over the speaker, and playing at sport games in Watertown. Mrs. Wolf hopes to build the team with more participants who want to spread the news about inclusion and anti bullying, raise funds for the program, and get more games on the schedule to interact with other schools.