SALT LAKE CITY — Highland High School hosted more than just a soccer tournament — it brought together students from seven different schools on the same field, all with one goal: breaking down stereotypes through sports.
"Our students from the special education program and students from our general education program, and they come together and they play on the same team, and they compete against other schools — and they can all play defense and offense," Highland High School Unified Sports coach Heather Brown said.
Unified Sports started at Highland High School four years ago, with the hope of bringing students of all abilities together to play.
Highland High School sophomore Elle Jacobs has played soccer through Unified Sports for two years. The experience for her has accomplished the organization's goal.
"It's great," Jacobs said. "It just (allows) people with special needs (to be) who they are and what we're made of, and, like, treat people who they are and as they are."
Her favorite part is feeling that sense of community on the field.
"We all win (our) games. I had fun," she added.
Seven high schools in the Salt Lake district competed in the Regional Unified Soccer Tournament on Thursday: Olympus, Skyline, Highland, West, East, Taylorsville and Murray.
The hope is that Unified Sports builds more than just athletic skills, but inclusion, friendship and understanding.
"It was so rewarding," Brown said. "It really empowers all of our students and our athletes and our partners."
Organizers said the impact goes beyond the field — creating stronger, more inclusive school communities.
