ÉCKS HOSTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED GAMES BASKETBALL EVENT
Media Release: Posted on: Feb 27, 2025
Battle River School Division’s (BRSD) École Charlie Killam School (ÉCKS) proudly hosted a special afternoon of basketball and inclusion on February 26, 2025. The ÉCKS gym was alive with energy as Unified Games athletes from BRSD took to the court for a thrilling 3-on-3 unified basketball game.
This lively event brought together members of Special Olympics Camrose, Camrose Kodiaks, and local students, showcasing fast-paced action, sportsmanship, and a spirit of inclusion that left everyone smiling.
The full-court game featured impressive three-pointers, exciting dunks, and dynamic teamwork, with players supporting and celebrating each other’s efforts at every turn. The event highlighted the power of sport in building bridges between athletes of all abilities while reinforcing the importance of inclusion in the community.
Camrose Kodiaks team member, AJ Schaaf, spoke to the importance of inclusion and the impact an event like this can have on a community.
“Opportunities like this are very important for the community to model inclusion for all,” said Schaaf. “It’s a cool experience for everyone involved and demonstrates to younger students that the community really values everyone. This is what the Kodiaks represent. It’s something we really value getting behind with our people and our logo. Inclusion is for everybody.”
Camrose Kodiaks team captain, Owen Lansing, also shared insight on teamwork and values, emphasizing how fostering inclusive relationships is self-rewarding.
“Getting the chance to interact with these kids is super important to us and our organization,” said Lansing. “Not knowing what may be going on in their lives, our goal is to always make them feel included and important in whatever we may be doing together.
“As hockey players, we’ve always been taught to lean on our teammates and figure out the best way to approach things as one, and this allows us to teach them some of our values. The fact that for some of them, having us come to do these things is the highlight of their day—and that people they may have never met can leave that big of an impact—is extremely rewarding and humbling to us.”
BRSD and ÉCKS join together in extending overflowing gratitude to Special Olympics Camrose, Camrose Kodiaks, and all BRSD students and staff who made this event a success. The unified basketball game was not just about competition. It was about community and connection; ultimately, creating a future where everyone feels valued.
