LAKEVILLE – Lakeville students cheered on their teammates as their school was recognized by the Special Olympics for their achievements with unified sports and inclusion during the pep rally on Friday, Nov. 17.

Unified sports is a program that “promotes meaningful social interaction by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create accepting school environments,” according to a Special Olympics press release.

Apponequet has two unified sports teams — basketball and track.

The school received a banner from the Special Olympics for meeting 10 standards of excellence in inclusion, advocacy and respect. 

After members of the unified sports teams stood in front of their classmates to accept the banner, they joined in on the pep rally fun in the Apponequet High School gym.

From ping pong battles to a “guess the song” competition, Lakers cheered on their classmates and wore different colors to represent their class. 

“It's about building a culture for everyone,” said Special Olympics Manager of Inclusive Schools Program Denise Larrabee. “It's all about acceptance and to celebrate everyone’s differences.”