Unified track is a great way for students with disabilities to have fun while doing a sport. It is also great for everyone because there are no restrictions to join while being a great way to meet new people. 

“I also definitely think the pace of it is definitely more my style compared to regular Track and Field,” Oakdale Senior Alexandra Reed shared. Reed is a member of the team and runs the two hundred meter. 

Unified track is less intense than just Track and Field, so it’s easier to have more fun. However members still have to run and do field events.

 “I would say that the team is extremely supportive of one another, and we do goof around with each other sometimes that’s what makes it really fun, and we always just have a great time,” Reed explained. 

Practices are only an hour long, and for meets players only have to compete in two events.  “I look forward to [Unified track] the most, at the end of the day, it is definitely anytime we have a meet or a practice. I think it’s because that’s where I can just relax and not have to worry about school or my personal life, while just being myself and having fun with my new friends,” Reed mentioned. 

“My favorite part is working with the athletes and the partners and seeing how they interact.  I love seeing the relationships and friendships that build and grow among populations of students that would not normally interact,”  Unified track coach, Ms. Joan James said. 

Winning states would be a big accomplishment for this team. “I think with the size of our team it will be hard to win states just because other teams have 20-30 athletes and partners,” James said. 

Sadly there are normally not enough people volunteering or participating in unified sports.