Unified Teams Compete in Weekend Volleyball Tourney

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Five local volleyball teams made the Unified Champion Schools' tournament at the Johnson & Wales University Athletic Center this weekend.

The unified teams mix special needs student-athletes and athletes without disabilities. Opening ceremonies start at 12:15 p.m. at 305 Shipyard St., Providence.

In the first game, the Narragansett Mariners will try to knock off Barrington to capture Division Five bragging rights. That competition starts at 12:30 p.m. on Court One.

Then at 1:30 p.m. on Court Two, the North Kingstown Skippers will face off against Middletown for the Division Two title.

Finally, at 2:30 p.m. on Court One, Portsmouth will battle the Bishop Hendricken Hawks for the Division One crown.

The other schools competing Sunday in the Unified Champion Schools' (formerly known as Project UNIFY) Volleyball Tournament are: Burrillville, Chariho, Mt. Pleasant, and Ponaganset.

Here is the schedule.

Game Schedule - 12:30pm
Division Five/Court One: Narragansett vs. Barrington
Division Four/Court Two: Burrillville vs. Ponaganset

Game Schedule - 1:30pm
Division Three/Court One: Chariho vs. Mt. Pleasant
Division Two/Court Two: North Kingstown vs. Middletown

Division One/Court One: Portsmouth vs. Bishop Hendricken

"Unified Champion Schools (formerly Project UNIFY) is a youth-centered, school-focused initiative that uses Special Olympics sports and education programs to activate youth, engage educators and promote school communities of acceptance and inclusion where all young people are agents of change," according to the press release. "The Special Olympics Rhode Island Unified Champion Schools Program is endorsed by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League and the US Department of Education."

Courtesy Photo Special Olympics