Blue Devils to Participate in Unified Youth Summit

Huntington UFSD’s commitment to its Unified varsity sports program continues to grow. About 20 Unified athletes will be among those participating in the Suffolk Unified Sports Summit at Sayville Old Junior High School on Friday, November 8.

Huntington High School physical education teacher Lauren Blackburn, who coaches the Blue Devil Unified varsity bowling team will be accompanying the nearly two dozen athlete strong contingent.

The summit is being organized by the Special Olympics of New York. It will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The goal of the event is to bring students with and without disabilities together to education and inspire them to become active participants in making a difference within their schools and communities.

This event will include:

• An overview of Unified Champion Schools

• Presentations by students about events, activities and campaigns for inclusion they have led at their schools

• Leadership-building games and activities

The Blue Devils already sponsor Unified varsity basketball and bowling teams and pre-season intramurals and Huntington UFSD is studying the feasibility of sponsoring a Unified varsity bocce team now that the New York State Public High School Athletic Association has approved rules for the sport.

The Huntington students attending will include the athletes and partners on the two Blue Devil varsity teams. The athletic department worked with the district transportation office to arrange a bus to the summit.