Hawks honored by Special Olympics

By ALEX SPONSELLER
Posted 12/7/18

Bishop Hendricken was recently named a Special Olympics National Unified Champion Banner school for its work within unified sports, Special Olympics and its Options Program on campus.

The school …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Hawks honored by Special Olympics

Posted

Bishop Hendricken was recently named a Special Olympics National Unified Champion Banner school for its work within unified sports, Special Olympics and its Options Program on campus.

The school unveiled its banner in front of a packed gym last month in front of the student body, faculty and staff as well as Warwick Mayor Joe Solomon.

“We’re so proud to be recognized for this honor. We are the only Catholic school in Rhode Island to meet the 10 national standards required for this National Unified Championship Banner award. We have worked so hard and our community has been so supportive,” said Hendricken’s Options Program Director Cara Fusco. “It is very humbling and heartwarming to be honored this way. We are so grateful to all of those who encouraged us, supported us and cheered us on during the all of the unified competitions.”

The Hendricken Options Program as well as its unified sports teams were excited to see the turnout for the unveiling.

“It was so moving to see the entire Hendricken community celebrating this achievement with us. For us in the Options Program, we could not be more excited that Special Olympics provides an opportunity for all students to be part of a team and experience winning a state championship all while wearing Hendricken green and gold,” said Fusco.

Unified sports were introduced to Rhode Island back in 2010, and the numbers have been growing each passing season. Hendricken unified basketball and volleyball have not only been excited to regularly finish atop the standings, while capturing six state championships combined, but to also serve as a role model for fellow schools that are new to unified sports or are interested in adding teams.

“Today our numbers continue to grow within our program and our Unified sports are an integral part of our overall program. Through the years the support from our administration, faculty, staff, student body, parents and alumni at all of our events has been overwhelming and we could not be more grateful,” said Fusco. “It’s inspiring. Our growth throughout the years has been amazing. We know that it will only get better from here. We are truly fulfilling the Hendricken mission. We think this will encourage the doors to open to offering new Unified sports and opportunities for collaboration with Special Olympics and to continue with this collaboration.”

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here