ONEIDA, NY - The Camden Blue Devils unified basketball team completed its season in the Section III championship game on Tuesday, May 31st.
After an outstanding regular season with an undefeated record, the Blue Devils topped Whitesboro in a semifinal game at home. That victory allowed them to advance to the championship game against Central Valley Academy at Oneida High School.
The title game was a spirited matchup, but in the end Central Valley Academy took home the championship title in a well played game.
Regardless of the wins and losses, the season was an overwhelming success for the value it brought to its participants.
Organized in conjunction with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and Special Olympics New York, the Unified Sports program provides an accessible and inclusive sports participation experience for students with intellectual disabilities.
In the Unified program, players with intellectual disabilities compete on teams alongside players without intellectual disabilities. Every student is given an opportunity to use their skills to contribute to the success of the team.
In doing so, every member of the team is empowered to be an important part of something bigger than themselves, make lasting connections with their peers, and experience the thrill of competition.
The Camden Central School District would like to congratulate the following team members on a successful season: Jayden Osborne, Stephen Parry, Madyson Austin, Emily Bird, Haley Cook, Gage Simmons, Cameron Brown, Timothy Grinnell, Aidan Pritchard, Ali Conner, Kassidy Gloude, Reid Hooker, Alyssa Mickle, Edward Sherman, Dakota Simmons, and Carter Simons.