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Unified Season Begins for East Aurora


The start of Unified Basketball in East Aurora has begun with a scrimmage against Iroquois and a first match against Dunkirk. 

East Aurora has joined a league of local schools with Unified programs that allow it to play six games during the inaugural season: three at home on May 5, May 12 and May 16, and three away games on May 2, May 9 and May 25.

Making the shot during gameplay last week versus Iroquois. Photo by Renea Lauck

The East Aurora team is composed of 24 students, a combination of 12 student-athletes with intellectual disabilities and 12 partners to assist during the games. Each game will have three athletes and two partners on the court at all times. 

Fans and members of the East Aurora unified basketball team cheer on teammates from the bench during last week’s game against the Iroquois Chiefs unified team at Iroquois Central. Photo by Renea Lauck

The team had so much interest at its first meeting that there weren’t enough spots on the team for everyone. Those that are not on the team are still involved as part of the Youth Activation Committee (YAC), led by Tara Arnold. The club is in charge of event planning and spreading the word about unified sports.

Audrey Guzzo of the East Aurora unified basketball team takes the shot on net against an Iroquois defender during last week’s game in the Iroquois gymnasium. Photo by Renea Lauck

“The passion and commitment of our student body has moved us so much already. We think it’s the start of something really special here at East Aurora,” the coaches said about the team.

The May 5 game is at 5 p.m. against Depew. It will be held at the East Aurora High School.

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