Competing in their first game of the season, Dartmouth Middle School’s unified basketball team came out triumphantly against Westport on Friday, March 14. 

The four-year-old program continues to grow as 14 athletes and partners join together this season, celebrated on the court by the school’s unified cheer team, which is only in its second year of existence. Beginning small last year, participation has more than tripled in size as almost 20 students joined the fray. 

“It’s really become more of an organized endeavor this year and it’s really taken off,” said Bill Garcia, who has coached the basketball team since its start after years working with the unified teams at the high school. 

The unified programs at Dartmouth Middle continue to gain attraction as students get involved behind the scenes and in the stands: “It’s growing leaps and bounds,” Garcia said.

“We can’t really have 300 kids on the team,” he added, but to see them in the stands, making posters and celebrating inclusion is so satisfying.

After their game, eighth graders Mason Faria and Ben Pogrash said they both became interested in the sport when they were younger due to their love for shooting and decided to join the team.

“We pass a lot and we do some crazy stuff,” Faria said, who joined the team only this season.  Of that “crazy stuff,” he said the team’s three-pointers come to mind: “I’m like amazing at threes,” he added.

He said he joined the team to put his skills to the test and hopes to continue to beat schools as they progress this season.

Pogash, who is in his second season on the team, said he felt the team did well in their first game, noting, “We did a good job working together.”

Garcia said having the students come out and support the unified team, gives the program the opportunity to demonstrate just what students with special needs are capable of, whereas in the past they have been overlooked.

“Everyone has strengths and abilities that should be celebrated,” he added.

This season, he said he hopes to get better at shooting, adding, “I really like basketball and I thought it would be easier than regular basketball.”

Though the team won the game, Garcia said, “Whether we win or lose, the message to the kids is to play together, do your best and have fun.”