WINNING ISN’T EVERYTHING AT UNIFIED SOCCER

Sports brings people together and teaches lessons beyond the scoreboard. These lessons are instilled every game at the unified soccer championships.

“We started this last year and it’s been two years in the making,” Pat Riddlesprigger said. “This pairs a gen student with a kid with special needs on the same team. They get a chance to actually be invited to the dance and play sports.”

For Sunnyside High School special education student Arturo Perez, he is excited to finish his season in style.

“I’m trying my best,” Perez said. “Playing hard. Scoring goals. And kinda tired. Trying to win a championship out here. We got some good teams.”

At the Unified Soccer Championships, some will receive medals and some won’t. But each player will walk away with their heads held high and with a smile.

“I’m sad for it to end because of the environment here,” Sunnyside High School general education student Anyssa Trimmer said. “I really like it. It’s really positive and there are no negative comments out here. It’s just really fun.”

“The most rewarding is the kids’ reaction from both our gen and sped kids,” Pat Riddlesprigger said. “From every pass, every goal, shot and save. the reactions they have on their face speaks volumes.”

These memories will also last a lifetime.

“It’s a good way to finish my high school years,” Trimmer said.

For the first time, Unified Athletics is introducing track and field this spring. They also have a basketball program during the winter. If you are interested in volunteering with the Fresno Unified program you can contact the school district at (559) 457-3000.