LPS holds first unified track meet: 'There's nobody that doesn't belong'

Lincoln Public Schools held its first unified track meet April 14 - and there were only winners.

Unified track pairs special education students with intellectual disabilities with their general education classmates in competition together. This is the first year for unified track, which is sanctioned by the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA). It joins bowling as NSAA-sanctioned unified sports.

The meet was held at Lincoln Southwest High School and included athletes from five LPS high schools.

“It’s not about winning. We are here to be inclusive, we are here to create a space where everybody belongs,” said Brandi Benson, a teacher at Southwest and the unified track head coach. “I think that that’s what’s amazing about unified - there’s nobody that doesn’t belong.”

Athletes participated in the 100 meter dash, long jump and 4 x100 meter relay. Two of those who competed together were Ella Swank and Tahlia Scaggs from Lincoln East High School. 

“I just get a lot of joy and after a long and stressful and busy week this is a great way to refresh and come together with my friends,” Swank said.

“I like the weather and meeting new friends and being able to get out of the house to do more things,” Scaggs said.

 

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