Unified co-ed tournament at ISU

Unified co-ed tournament at ISU

Place at the terre haute bowling center.

Those behind local "unified" sports say everyone should be able to experience what it's like to play basketball on a team.

That's why many gathered saturday for the inaugural co-ed unified basketball tournament at indiana state university.

News 10's richard solomon was courtside.

He shares more on why this is so special to one of the players.

This is the first year for the 1 day tournament.

Teams are made up of special olympic athletes and i-s-u students.

You don't need to be the best baller out there.

All that's required is having fun.

Pk} "nats" it's the sport special olympic athete hunter stonestreet loves.

"i miss playing ball like this.

I haven't played ball like this is a while" for stonestreet and other athletes... they finally get their chance to ball out.

On saturday... the indiana state student recreational center hosted the first ever co-ed unified basketball tournament.

"nats" from the clutch 3's... to sharing high 5's.

6 teams made of i-s-u students and special olympic athletes compete in a one day tournment.

Stonestreet says this is a moment he wont forget anytime soon.

"i can't even desribe it in words it's...it just brings me joy to be hwere with these college students."

"it's crazy in here everybody gets loud everybody's having a good time."

Demetria young says that's all it's about.

Young is one of the organizers of the event.

She says this tournment helps students and athletes step out of their comfort zones.

But more importantly put fun back in sports.

"we're trying to bridge that gap between the idea that special olympic athletes and isu students can't preform on the same team together in different sports, we're trying to provide that opportunity and create that space to show that they can."

Stonestreet's team didn't end up bringing the 1st place medals home.

But he says this day holds a special place in his heart.

"i feel very important.

I don't know what the special needs community would look like without special olympics."

Richar} the plan is to have more unified co-ed rec events here.

They hope to grow this over the next few years.

In terre haute, rs, news 10.

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