According to assistant coach, Jennifer Copeland, "Harpeth High promotes unity within our Cheatham County Special Olympic program. We have participated in flag football, soccer, volleyball and of course basketball."
Copeland added that all sports in Special Olympics are unified, which means that students with disabilities play beside their typical peers. "The team works together to support each other as well as encourage the strengths of each player. At many of the events, the athletes and partners not only play on the court or field together, they travel together as well as bunk together either in hotel or dorm rooms. This enhances our unified experience," Copeland said.
This year, the Harpeth High School unified basketball team won the gold at the state tournament at Lipscomb University.
The team is now preparing for the county track and field games held at Harpeth Middle School. Students from all the life skills classes from across the county will compete in a variety of events such as the 50, 100, and 200 yard dash as well as standing/long jump and softball throw. Bocce and weightlifting are also competitions at this event.
Copeland said unity is an important concept to Harpeth High School. "We are trying something new this year: unified 4X100 relay race. This should be a great time. This event is scheduled to be held on April 17 with opening ceremonies starting at 9:00 a.m."
From the county games, the team will travel to Lipscomb University for the state tournament on May 15 and 16. Copeland said Harpeth plans to take track and field athletes, a unified volleyball team, weightlifting team, tennis team, and bocce team.