Congratulations to Bend High Unified Soccer on their outstanding performance at the recent championships in Wilsonville. Bend High took four teams to Wilsonville High School on November 2 to compete in their respective skilled categories. Lava Bears placed

first in three divisions and 2nd in another division. More importantly, mentors/partners were simply incredible in the way that they connected, played and followed the model of inclusion that Special Olympics and Unified Sports is trying to accomplish.

State Champions - A Division

Defeated Westview High School in the Finals 5 to 2

2nd Place - B Division
Lost to Sprague 3 to 1 in the finals

State Champions - C Division

Won two games and tied one game

State Champions - E Division

Won all three games in round robin format

Unified Sports incorporate a similar number of athletes (those with a disability) paired with a partner (a student without a disability) to play together on a unified team. They then compete against other teams from around the state of Oregon. In soccer the fields are smaller and with three athletes and two partners playing at the same time. In the higher divisions the games become super competitive and they are intense games to be coaching and spectating. A huge shout out to partners who don't dominate the skill level of the game and play within the flow of the division and become just regular teammates with the special Olympic athletes. Bend High is fortunate to have such a quality group of students.