Wareham Unified Track hoots and hollers for everyone in season opener

At most sporting events, it's uncommon for opposing teams to cheer each other on and hope their opponent does well. But Wareham High School Unified Track isn't like other teams.

The unified track team is one of three unified sports offered at Wareham High School which gives special needs kids the opportunity to be on a varsity team and compete against other unified teams.

Unified sports is a Special Olympics program that gives kids with special needs the opportunity to compete in team sports. Kids who do not have special needs can join unified teams as partners who help support the special needs students.

Wareham Unified Track Head Coach Megan Kashner said being a part of a team is something many special needs kids miss out on while growing up. She added that each year she aims to foster a supportive atmosphere, which comes naturally to the team.

"What's cool is they cheer on Wareham kids but they also cheer on whichever team were competing against equally as loud," she said.

There was plenty of cheering going on Wednesday, April 2 because the Vikings opened their season against Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, who is in their inaugural unified track season.

"We were able to show them how it's run, I got to talk to the coaches and it'll help them because they have a home meet next week," Kashner said. "I think it was a good example of unified sports, the energy and the support that comes with it."

Supporters lined up around the track to cheer the teams on. Hoots and hollers could be heard from the stands and some held up supportive signs, which Kashner said is not unusual.

"There were a number of fans and some former teachers came out which was really cool," she said.

Tyler Maciver has been on the team for a number of years where he said he has improved in his favorite event, javelin, and is especially proud of his relay team.

"We did very good and I yelled 'Vikings victory' after the race," Maciver said.

Jennifer Viveiros has also been on the team for several years where she gets to spend time with people close to her.

"I get to be with all my friends and teachers," she said.

She added that she felt "so happy" after winning last year's state championship.

Gary Vaughn started as a paraprofessional at the high school one month ago and works with special needs students everyday. He was at the meet cheering on the students who "inspire [him] on a daily basis."

"Doing stuff like track builds social skills that are intangible and those intangibles are what the kids need the most," he said. "Interacting with other students, faculty members and people from other schools is stuff that can't be taught in the classroom and this is a whole new place for them to learn."

Vaugh added that seeing the kids in action left him feeling impressed.

"I'm not a dad but proud papa was the only way I could explain it," Vaugh said. "I was absolutely blown away by both the skill and focus that these kids are able to achieve."

Kashner added that seeing the kids be happy and show support to one another has a ripple effect that impacts everyone involved with the team.

Jordan Elwood is a freshman at Wareham High School and joined the team as a partner. She said despite it being her first week with the team, the experience has already had a positive impact on her.

"Everybody's happy, nobody's down and nobody's upset," she said. "Everybody has a smile on their face and it makes me want to do my best."

Boys and girls Varsity Track Captain Sienna Cabe was helping out at the meet and she said seeing how everyone supports everyone left a strong impression on her.

"During the 100 meter race everybody's cheering for everyone," Cabe said. "All the fans are cheering and the runners are cheering after they finish the race."

Showing off what the unified athletes are able to accomplish and how they come together in support of everyone is what Kashner said she wants people to take away from the team.

"You can see it from out athletes to our supporting peers to their parents and everyone who comes out to watch, it's always a good feeling," she said.