Students from multiple high schools in Grand Junction came together for an adaptive basketball tournament, fostering inclusivity and teamwork on the court.
Promoting Inclusion Through Sports
Grand Junction, Central, Palisade, and Fruita Monument High Schools collaborated to host an adaptive basketball tournament, creating an environment where students with and without disabilities played together. The event aimed to build connections, promote understanding, and encourage athletic participation for all students.
Adaptive basketball tournaments provide an opportunity for students of all abilities to engage in a competitive yet supportive setting. By playing alongside peers with different skill levels, participants learn valuable lessons about teamwork, empathy, and perseverance.
A Boost to Student Confidence and School Community
Katie Hummel, an Adaptive P.E. teacher for District 51, emphasized the positive impact of such events.
“When students feel like they’re supported, it strengthens all parts of their academic life, social life…and just makes them feel like they have confidence. They have a place in our school,” said Hummel.
The event not only celebrated sportsmanship but also reinforced the importance of belonging and support in an educational setting.
Year-Round Support for Adaptive P.E.
District 51 maintains an adaptive P.E. fund that accepts donations year-round. These funds help sustain programs like the adaptive basketball tournament, ensuring students continue to benefit from inclusive athletic opportunities.
