By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Westborough/Southborough – Unified track is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences by joining people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Its goal is to break down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities in a fun way, bringing people together to develop friendship and understanding. In 2012 Westborough High School (WHS) and Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) teamed up to create a joint unified track team.
WHS senior Zach Bloch has participated since the league was created.
“I have participated in unified sports – soccer and basketball – since I can remember and when I heard of the opportunity to do it more competitively and to team up with ARHS, I couldn’t have been more excited to join,” Bloch said. “I am honored to be a captain this year and to lead and represent the team.”
For Sam Kanji, a WHS sophomore with autism, the social aspect that comes with being on a team has been as rewarding as the competition.
“The typically developing students are unbelievably kind and warm-hearted,” shared Kanji’s mother, Ilyse Levine-Kanji. “The team bonded over events like pasta dinners, bowling and even an end-of-the-season banquet, like all sports teams have. Kids like Sam often don’t have the same social opportunities that most students take for granted so we are thrilled that he has the opportunity to compete in sports, which he loves, with people his own age who appreciate him for who he is.”
Bloch added: “The experience and atmosphere is truly the best part about it. Trying to motivate my teammates – whether athletes or partners – to set and achieve goals and have fun doing it is what I truly love about Unified Track. It is a great feeling to know I am part of a team that means so much to so many people, and inspires people as well.”
The founder and head coach of the team is ARHS science teacher Kevin Hausmann. Among the faculty helping to coach the team is fellow ARHS teacher Zbysia Giegucz.
“I love working with these kids,” Giegucz said. “Watching them work together and develop confidence in themselves and form lifelong friendships is such a wonderful experience. I think I learn more from than they learn from me.”
Showing support for the Special Olympics and the WHS/ARHS Unified Track Team is the Westborough Knights of Columbus (KOC) which has pledged $1.4 million toward the Special Olympics World Games to be held this summer.
On Saturday, March 28, the KOC will be sponsoring a “Knight at the Race” fundraiser to benefit the WHS/ARHS Unified Track Team. Attendants will enjoy dinner while wagering on simulated horse races. There will be audience participation and the chance to win raffle baskets. The fundraiser will run from 7 to 10 p.m. at the KOC, 17 Willow St. Tickets are $20 per person or $180 for a table of 10.
Spearheading the fundraiser is Giegucz and her husband, Stanley, Grand Knight of the KOC.
“We are looking for community support from local vendors donating raffle baskets and placing ads in the program book,” Giegucz said. “We would also like people to come down and enjoy a fun entertaining evening with us.”
For tickets or fundraising opportunities contact Giegucz at [email protected] or by phone at 508-736-3897.