Smiles, cheers & hugs all around at Unified Games
What had been the Unified Basketball Game in previous years became Games -- plural -- on Feb. 23 at Elizabeth Middle School with the addition of elementary and high school students.
Lead organizer Mike Hamner and dozens of Special Services staff members plus colleagues from every school helped make the night a truly special extravaganza for the young athletes on the court.
The first game featured students from Running Creek and Singing Hills Elementary Schools, and the second game feature EMS and Elizabeth High School students. They were cheered on by the EHS poms/spirit team, and provided with enthusiastic musical support by EMS and EHS band members. Dozens of student mentors helped the team members on and off the court, making the games a truly student-supported event at all levels.
The players were introduced individually by arena announcer and EMS teacher Curtis Kaumeyer, and they entered the court through a tunnel created by the poms team.
EMS player Gizzy Cordova sang the National Anthem with the help of EMS teachers David Goldscheid, Curtis and Melanie Kaumeyer, and Robin Neelley.
Sponsors of the event included Vicki Wimberly, Chase Hammer, The Wranglers, Colorado Kids First, ARC and Denver Athletic.
The coaches for the green-and-white elementary game were PE teachers TJ Schmitt and Madison Wages, and for the second game, EMS PE teachers Rachel Rucker and Aaron Stone coached the red and white teams. EMS teachers Josie Brush and Lincoln Jones refereed both contests.
At halftime of each game, fans got to step down from the stands and try their luck at three-point and half-court shot contests that served as fundraisers for the Unified Program. Sixth grader Parker Kerchner won a $50 gift card for draining a half-court shot (and his friend Shamus O'Brian helped by putting up the entry fee).