INCLUSIVE – Students from Edison, Indian Creek, and Buckeye Local took on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office during the third annual Unified Sports track meet at Edison High School on May 5. Unified sports include blended teams of general pupils and students with individual education plans (IEP’s).

RICHMOND — Teams from local schools laced up their running shoes for the third annual Unified Sports Track Meet on May 5.

Athletes from Edison, Indian Creek and Buckeye Local high schools faced off against a “mystery” opponent, which turned out to be the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The event was held at the Unified Sports Complex at Edison in Richmond. Youth and deputies competed in 100-meter, 200-meter and 4×100-meter relays, as well as a softball throw and long jump, while family members watched from the stands. Top placers received medals and ribbons, but the day was a win for everyone.

Unified sports combine students with individual education plans (IEPs) with general pupils on blended teams, and local schools have taken part in football, basketball and track events. Participants included students, coaches, cheerleaders and runners from Edison, Indian Creek and Buckeye Local, along with Sgt. Brad Polaski, Maj. Tommy Koehnlein and deputies Zach Stackhouse, Lane Herbert, Jake McGinnis, Brandon Kelly and Matt Morgan for JCSO.

Christina Henderson, director of special education at Edison Local Schools, said students “hit the ground running.”

“They were excited to host and compete,” she said, adding that unified sports has increased peer relationships, mutual respect and school pride.

“Staff and students rally around these teams in a way that promotes a sense of belonging,” Henderson said. “Unified sports have provided leadership opportunities for general education students as well.”

Ryan Sronce, Edison Unified Sports coordinator, called it a strong community event.

“Today went wonderfully. It’s cool to see everyone get involved,” he said.

Amber Scott, ICHS coordinator, said the event brings people together across districts.

Victoria Luyster, Buckeye Local coordinator, said students are realizing “people are people” and forming friendships.

Athletes echoed the enthusiasm.

“It’s good and I have so much fun,” said Jackson Smith, a freshman at BLHS.

“I like to be with all of my friends,” said Misha Amis, an ICHS sophomore.

“It’s fun and I like to run,” said Edison sophomore Kaden Eddy.

Jefferson County Unified Sports Coordinator Tom Mort said the excitement drives the event.

“It’s all they talk about,” he said.

Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. said his office was proud to participate.

“It was a beautiful day for a great event,” he said.

As an added perk, the sheriff and deputies staged their own dash for the crowd, with Abdalla joking every bag of ice in the county would be retrieved for the deputies afterward.