SACO — The Saco Unified Basketball team, called the Bobcats, played their first competition March 6 on the Saco Middle School home court. Unified sports partners students with developmental disabilities with students without them to help promote physical activity, teamwork, sportsmanship, and social inclusion.

“As always, these contests are one of my favorite events that we host at Saco Middle School,” said Athletic Director Michael Tatro. “I think what makes it so special are the bonds formed between partners and unified athletes.” Our gymnasium was rocking … our student section was packed with kids rooting for their peers. The atmosphere was electric.”

In its third season, the SMS Unified Basketball Team has even more participants and a greater force behind them. The team sports 10 unified athletes, 10 partners, coaches Kathleen Morey and Krystalyn Keenan, a strong pep band, and a supportive cheering section.

“These kids come out and play hard,” said Director of Instructional Support Jessica Clark. “The students are the ones who make the team special and make connections that are intangible; the adults are simply there to make sure some basketball happens.”

The team, which plays under the guidance of the Maine Principals’ Association and Special Olympics of Maine, draws crowds of spectators — and there’s always room for more. School officials invite the public to come and watch a game.

The first game was a nail biter, and concluded with a win for the Bonny Eagle Middle School team, 36-34.

A complete schedule can be  found at http://sacomiddleschoolathletics.weebly.com/weekly-schedule.html