In the Fall of 2017, an email was sent from Tommy Schorer on behalf of the University of Iowa Recreational Services. The email included an invitation to participate in the inaugural season of Unified intramurals. It went on to explain that Unified Intramurals, and unified sports, provide opportunities for individuals with and without intellectual or physical disabilities to promote inclusion through athletics. I was a freshman at Iowa at the time and was looking for organizations to get involved with, so I registered to participate in the initial flag football season. What has unfolded since has been nothing short of incredible. Since the initial season I have participated in flag football and basketball Unified Intramural seasons over the last five years. I am honored to share just a glimpse of my story.
Our Unified Intramural seasons begin with an assessment night to ensure teams are created with an equal division of skills and abilities. The remainder of the season unfolds as follows: a practice night followed by a few weeks of regular season games, play-offs, and the championship game. The Unified Intramural championship games are held in Kinnick Stadium and Carver Hawkeye Arena. The experience of championship games being held in the same spaces the University of Iowa athletic teams compete is unique and memorable for all involved. As a nod to the advancement and success of this program, The University of Iowa was recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School.
In addition to the Unified Intramural seasons, a subsection of Special Olympic athletes and University of Iowa partners have participated in various national tournaments over the last few years. I have competed in the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Basketball Championships twice. In March 2022, we won the NIRSA basketball tournament. Like all champions of collegiate basketball tournaments, we celebrated with medals, champion t-shirts, and the ability to cut down the net to commemorate our win. We continued that success during June 2022 as we traveled to Orlando, Florida to help represent the state of Iowa at the Special Olympics USA Games.
The Special Olympics USA Games was an experience that stood out amongst all the rest. The opening ceremonies were held in Exploria Stadium, home to the Orlando City and Orlando Pride soccer teams. Each team got to walk in through the tunnel, and we were recognized by each competing delegation. Toward the end of the ceremony, a few Special Olympic athletes carried a torch around the stadium and ultimately ignited the cauldron, signaling the official start of the Special Olympics USA Games. We spent the next few days competing against various Unified programs and ultimately earned a gold medal. The joy experienced after winning that final game is without comparison. It was a moment I will never forget.
While our time on the court was memorable, our time off the court was simply transformative. We were given tickets to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. Our night at Animal Kingdom was unique because 2 hours after we arrived, the park closed to the public. The entire park was full of only those attending the Special Olympics USA Games. The night at Animal Kingdom provided continued opportunities for our team to bond off the basketball court. To see, and experience, the excitement of Disney parks through the eyes of our team was special. Our week at the Special Olympics USA Games, was full of laughter, joy, and hope. I hold immense hope for a better future. The barriers between individuals with and without disabilities are being broken down by the power of athletics.
As I approach the start of my final year at the University of Iowa and my sixth year participating with Special Olympics Iowa, my graduation, and the end of my participation with Unified intramurals, is inevitably approaching. This organization has changed my life for the better, and I am eager to find ways to remain involved post-graduation.