The Thornton Academy Unified Basketball team was established in 2017 and continues to gain the interest of students and members of the community. Unified Basketball joins students with developmental disabilities (athletes) with students without developmental disabilities (partners) on the same team. Unified Basketball follows the same rules as regular basketball, with the exception that at least three athletes must be on the court at all times, and the partners may score no more than 25 percent of their team’s points. At Thornton Academy, Unified Basketball is considered a varsity sport and students who complete the season will receive a varsity letter. Since the team was formed, students have been inspired to create a Unified Cheer Team and Unified club in order to continue to build friendships and promote inclusion within our school.
