By Briana Peters – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law’s Unified Sports program is headed towards an exciting year of playing sports and creating long-lasting friendships.

There are 20 members (including students and adults) that have signed up for Unified Sports this year. The group meets every Monday and Thursday from 2-3 p.m.

“It’s a program that has regular education students paired up with students with special needs to play sports,” said Mrs. Daniels, the director of Law’s Unified Sports team. “Typically, these are sports students would not normally play.”

Last month, Law’s Unified Sports team won a prestigious award. On October 1, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference gave Law an award for their dedication to providing activities and opportunities for the children.

The team also has to choose one athlete to receive the Spirit of Life Award, which is an award that recognizes that athlete’s accomplishments.

“Perseverance and courage demonstrates the championship spirit that is synonymous with Special Olympics,” George Synnott, the director of Unified Sports, said.

The athlete that is selected and his or her parent are invited to the Hall of Fame Dinner on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 6 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

“The goal of the club is students, athletes and partners to learn new skills and make new friendships,” Pat Daniels said.

The team began their year with soccer in September, which last until the beginning of November. After soccer is Wiffle ball from November to January and basketball from January to March. Basketball is a favorite for many players.

“I like soccer and basketball,” Robert Daniels, an athlete on the Unified Sports team said. “Sometimes in basketball we have cheerleaders.”

The program includes other activities such as clinics with the softball team, boys basketball team, and girls basketball team, as well as bowling in February.

For soccer, the group had two tournaments. One was at Amity Regional High School on October 16 in Orange and another was on November 3 at Staples High School in Westport.

Thirteen schools participated in the SCC Unified Sports Soccer Tournaments at Amity High, including Jonathan Law, Amity, West Haven, Daniel Hand, Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Cheshire, North Haven, Hamden, Wilbur Cross, Hillhouse and Foran.

“I joined Unified Sports so I can be a part of a team with all of my friends,” said Edwin Gonzalez, an athlete on the Unified Sports team.

Law will host two basketball tournaments in January 2015.