𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻𝚂, 𝙽𝙹 -- As part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools initiative, Linden Public Schools has launched its expanded Unified Sports program, uniting students with and without intellectual disabilities through inclusive, team-oriented activities designed to foster collaboration and connection.
The program officially kicked off on November 7 at School No. 2, the district’s largest elementary school, with an informational session attended by about two dozen parents and students.
Led by Michael Firestone, Athletic Director and the program’s lead coordinator, the event served as an introduction to the program’s mission, structure, and long-term goals. Classes are scheduled to begin on December 11 and will run throughout the school year.
“This isn’t just about sports,” Firestone said. “It’s about building an inclusive community where every student feels valued and empowered. Unified Sports is about more than physical skills—it’s about creating meaningful relationships and breaking down barriers.”
𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐭𝐢𝐲𝐚 𝐘. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬 highlighted the program’s broader impact on the district. “This program exemplifies what we strive for in Linden Public Schools—a commitment to inclusion, respect, and empowering every student to reach their full potential,” Perkins said. “Unified Sports is not just about athletics; it’s about building connections, nurturing understanding, and creating a school community where every child feels valued and supported.
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬
According to Firestone, the Unified Sports program builds on the success of last year’s Young Athletes Program, which catered to elementary-aged students between the ages of 2 and 7. That program focused on foundational skills such as jumping, balancing, and throwing, while also fostering social and emotional growth through play.
“Last year was a great start,” Firestone said. “We had about a dozen students who thrived in the environment we created. It wasn’t just about teaching motor skills—it was about giving them confidence and a sense of belonging.”
The program also included opportunities for families and caregivers to engage with students, creating a more inclusive community atmosphere.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭s
Firestone credits much of the program’s success to its dedicated team of coaches, whose enthusiasm and expertise ensure that every student feels supported.
“We have an amazing coaching team,” Firestone said. “Last year, we had two outstanding coaches, Alan Castillo and Alyssa Carlos, who brought so much energy and passion to the Young Athletes Program. This year, we’ve expanded the team with a third coach, Karen Wisnowski, and I couldn’t be happier with the group we’ve assembled.”
Firestone emphasized that the coaches are instrumental in building the inclusive environment Unified Sports aims to achieve. “These coaches are all in for the students,” he said. “They do a fantastic job ensuring everyone feels included, valued, and challenged in the best possible way.”
𝗔 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
This year’s expansion introduces Unified Sports for middle and high school students, a significant step in Linden’s efforts to promote inclusion across all grade levels.
“We’re excited to expand the program to grades 6 through 12,” Firestone said. “Unified Sports brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together in team-oriented activities. It’s not about competition—it’s about collaboration and connection.”
The program follows the recreation model of the Special Olympics, focusing on modified sports like basketball, bowling, and track and field. Classes will be held on Wednesdays after school and every other Saturday morning, offering flexible opportunities for students to participate.
“This dual schedule gives students more chances to engage and allows us to build a stronger, more cohesive program,” Firestone explained.
𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
While the program currently focuses on internal activities, Firestone has ambitious plans for the future, including forming Unified Sports teams to compete against other districts.
“Our ultimate goal is to create competitive opportunities for our students,” he said. “But for now, we’re focused on building the foundation—ensuring we create a program where every student feels supported and included.”
Firestone also stressed the importance of feeder programs at the elementary and middle school levels to ensure sustained growth. “High school sports succeed because of strong foundations,” he said. “We’re working to make inclusion a part of every student’s journey in Linden.”
𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
Firestone’s passion for Unified Sports stems from his decade of experience in adapted physical education. "When I started teaching in 2012, I saw how much inclusion matters,” he shared. “It’s about giving every student an opportunity to see their potential and value. That’s what drives me.”
𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞
The program offers sessions tailored to specific age groups, ensuring that all students have opportunities to participate.
• Wednesdays:
o 3:45–4:15 PM: Pre-Kindergarten
o 4:30–5:00 PM: 1st–3rd Grade
• Saturdays:
o 9:30–10:00 AM: Pre-K–1st Grade
o 10:15–10:45 AM: 2nd–5th Grade
o 11:00–11:30 AM: 6th–12th Grade
𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝
The first Unified Sports session begins this Wednesday, and the program will continue through the end of the school year. “This is about more than sports—it’s about creating a community where every student has a place,” Firestone said. “We’re leveling the playing field so every student can discover their unique abilities.”
With support from Superintendent Perkins, the Board of Education, and a dedicated team of coaches, Linden’s Unified Sports program is set to create a lasting impact, fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment throughout the district.