The Unified Sports Club has evolved into one of the most meaningful and community-driven groups at West Essex, allowing students of all abilities to come together, participate in activities and support one another. Led by basic skills teacher Alexandra Ayres and special education teacher Jarrod Cappello, the club has quickly become a place where inclusion and respect guide all its activities.
“Unified Sports and Special Olympics are both something very near and dear to my heart,” Ayres said. “I have been a coach in my hometown for over five years. I knew this was something I wanted to carry over to the West Essex community.”
The Special Olympics is a statewide organization that provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete in friendly competition against their peers and other schools. West Essex, in particular, takes great pride in the athletes who compete every May.
Unified Sports allows students to take part in events where everyone feels supported. Whether the students involved struggle in social situations or want a chance to participate in fun activities with friends, the club encourages all interested in joining to foster good teamwork and respect among all members. The best part of the club, Ayres says, is seeing students interact with one another whom they might not see in their typical school day. She feels satisfied knowing the students leave each event knowing they had a good time with their peers.
This year, the club has already hosted several events. Their Tie-Dye Kickoff Social brought everyone together to make shirts that later became the club’s kickball uniforms. Other events included a bowling social and a special culinary activity called “Sweet Connections,” where Chef Robert Eckert taught members how to make garlic knots as part of a collaboration with the Cooking For A Cause club. The club hopes to continue collaborating with various other clubs and organizations around the school to expand its events to the middle school, so more students can participate.
Senior student leader Carly Levitt helps plan all the events and meets with the advisors to ensure they run smoothly. She hopes all students involved leave each event with memorable experiences that they will cherish forever.
“It is really rewarding to come together as a school and participate in all these different events,” Levitt said. “I am happy we have the staff to make these events happen.”
All members of the club hope the activities help break down social barriers and make the community feel more connected. The club has even more events planned for the upcoming months, including Kickin’ It Unified: Kickball Social on Dec. 16, and Pins & Pals: A Unified Bowling Social in January.
“Even small actions like building friendships, inviting others to participate, or celebrating the achievements of all members help strengthen the program,” Ayres said. “When the whole community leans in, Unified becomes more than a club; it becomes part of the school’s identity.”
