Pacific Index

Pacific’s Unified Sports highlight student inclusivity and relationships

“We are all one team no matter the disability or ability,” says Ryley Vickroy, vice president of Unified Sports. With currently over 60 clubs up and running at Pacific, there seems to be a great deal of organizations that are tucked away from the crowd. Such programs, including Unified, play a significant role in creating a close-knit community. Precisely, when the study body and faculty speak on diversity, creativity, and embracement, this club represents just that.

Started back in 2011, Unified Sports is a club that creates healthy habits no matter the skill level. As the club joins together students with and without disabilities, there is a sense of understanding and acceptance that is created within the group. Consisting of dance, soccer, basketball, kickball, and softball, the organization runs all year long with each sport season. “It’s a good place to make connections with people,” Vickroy noted with excitement. “You always leave practice with a big smile, and it’s a way to add extra activities and relationships.” With the main focus of inclusion and equality, the club aims to create a safe space for students with accommodations. “Our main hope for the program is essentially student involvement. As vice president, my role is to attend all the events and meetings to discuss with the executive members on what we can improve or add that benefit the club members,” Vickroy expressed. 

Not only does the club initiate a sport for every season, but they provide additional activities and collaborations that create further connections. “We have a big involvement with the collegiate athletes,” Vickroy explained. “Not only do we play with each other as a club, but we engage with other unified teams in Oregon. We try to link with other universities that also have the club, and compete with each other. It’s exciting because you tend to run into other members in and out of campus. It’s a great way to make new friends.”

The current soccer season brings about 40 to 50 people to weekly practices, accepting more with open arms. “The club is really strong right now. We have successful practices and everyone seems to have a great time,” Vickroy emphasized. Along with the regular programmed activities, the club also hosts additional pursuits that reach a wider crowd. “There are other events like snowboarding, rock climbing, and snowshoeing as well. We are looking to do a lot more outdoor events later this year.”

The club accentuates on the idea of all for one—to bring together a close-knit community regardless of one’s capabilities. With growing members, the group is eager to compete with each other in the final games at the end of the soccer season. As always, any newcomers will be embraced with a warm, inviting welcome.