With the spring season of sports beginning, the Unified Track Program at Braintree High School continues onto their second season with lots of growth and change. The team came to life after a BHS student took action in making a more inclusive environment for all students.
“The summer before my junior year I reached out to Dr. Scully and Mr. Coblyn about starting Unified Sports at BHS. We then went through the process of getting stipends approved and acquiring a coach for the team right in time for the spring season. We also recruited partners for the athletes before the season started,” explains senior athlete Caitlyn Chang who started it all.
“I wanted to join unified track because it was the first year that it was happening, and I just felt like it was a good chance to reach out and make new friends,” shares returning 10th grader Ginger Frane.
The new season also brings in new players. “We have also seen growth in the interest of students in becoming partners for Unified Sports which makes me so excited for the season ahead,” remarks Chang, excited to see the program gaining greater participation.
“It’s a good opportunity to meet new people who I probably wouldn’t normally see throughout the day but everyone is super nice and like last year was small so it really got to know people well” comments Frane.
The team meets up twice a week for practice and has competitive meets about every other week with neighboring towns bringing not only the school together, but also the community.
Chang finds lots of joy not only seeing the program grow, but also seeing the athletes grow throughout the program.
“The joy of learning and participating in track and field is one of the most rewarding parts of Unified Sports, because I have experienced the sense of community and pride of participating in team sports,” says Chang.
