GHS Unified Sports Family Day: Experiencing the Power of Kindness and Inclusion First-Hand

Saturday was Unified Sports Family Day at Greenwich High School, with families of grade school and middle school students invited to attend.

Cardinal Stadium was divided into several adaptive sport stations including baseball, golf, track & field, dance, cheerleading, softball, soccer, football and dance. Sensory stations and a vendor village were set up adjacent to the sports stations.

Some of the vendors were Fit4All, Autism Awareness, YMCA Greenwich’s adaptive swimming lessons certified by Swim Angelfish, Greenwich Special Olympics and Coffee for Good.

Greenwich Old Timers Youth Sports Alliance and BSN Sports helped make this possible through their generous donation.

The idea was for unique learners in grades K-8 and their families to take a look ahead at the Unified Sports program at the high school.

Many who greeted them were already part of the GHS Unified program – both athletes and their partners.

Jessica McEvily, who is the district’s coordinator of student wellness and support, said the event benefited both the unique learners and the GHS athletes.

“They recognize their blessings,” McEvily said of the athletes. “The students at varsity level are amazing, competitive athletes – they look around and realize they’re so fortunate to play their sports – ‘Let’s give back.'”

Unified Sports coordinator, Deirdre Burke with Teddy and Alex Sabet at Unified Sports Family Day at GHS. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

Special Education program coordinator, Kristina Remy; Dr. Stacey Heiligenthaler, Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Supports; and Jessica McEvily, who is the district’s coordinator of student wellness and support. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

Folsom House social worker and Unified Sports Head Coach, Alyssa Gaiser; Unified Sports coordinator, Deirdre Burke; and Jessica McEvily, who is the district’s coordinator of student wellness and support. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

“All the teams were here by 8:30 this morning to set up,” she added. “I am so proud to see them here. And there are PE teachers from some of the elementary schools that want to see their students participate. I wish we could spread this.”

Dr. Stacey Heiligenthaler, Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Supports, praised Deirdre Burke for having the idea of Unified Sports Family Day.

“She picked up the mantel last year and has run with it,” Heiligenthaler said. “She’s put on great events. She involves the community and is always thinking outside the box for other ways to take it to the next level. This is fabulous and we’re so glad we can support her, and the students and families.”

Veronica Chiavaroli, a member of the Greenwich school board, said Ms Burke, Ms McEvily and Alyssa Gaiser had bnn planning the event since November.

“Their execution of such a special day for athletes of varying abilities was tremendous. The event was creative, welcoming, warm, fun and inclusive,” Chiavaroli said.

She added that the coaches and Greenwich High School teams also deserved special recognition.

“They volunteered their time on a Saturday morning and welcomed every athlete with enthusiasm and care as they thought of ways to modify their activities to meet every child’s abilities,” she said. “It was also great to see so many administrators, faculty and staff from schools across the district who came to cheer on and support their students. The widespread smiles confirmed that it was a truly exceptional and meaningful day for everyone.”

GHS dance team members worked with children at Unified Sports Family Day in GHS Cardinal Stadium. May 30, 2026.Photo: Leslie Yager

Burke said she was grateful to Ms McEvily and Ms Gaiser.

“I envisioned Unified Family Field Day as an opportunity to bring together students and families from across the Greenwich community to build connections and celebrate inclusion,” she said. “What made the day truly special was the incredible support from our varsity coaches and student-athletes, whose enthusiasm, kindness, and creativity brought each adaptive sport station to life.”

“They created welcoming experiences where every participant could experience success, connection, and fun. Watching students and families from all of our schools come together in such a positive and inclusive environment was a powerful reminder of what makes Greenwich such a special community and exactly what we hoped this event would achieve.”

Burke said the hope is that Saturday’s Unified Family Field Day will be the beginning of a new Greenwich tradition that will continue to grow and bring the community together for years.

Greenwich High School cheerleaders participated in Unified Sports Family Day. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich High School dance team participated in Unified Sports Family Day. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

At the track & field station, freshmen Oliver Frankel, Janae Lim and Caroline Collins during Unified Sports Family Day. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

Among teachers and staff at Unified Sports Family Day were New Lebanon School Assistant Principal, Lindsey Eisentstein and Greenwich High School science teacher, Aimee Farnum who is coordinator for the Extended School Year program. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager.

GHS baseball players worked with children during Unified Sports Family Day in GHS Cardinal Stadium. May 30, 2026.Photo: Leslie Yager

Track & field athletes set up a station at Unified Sports Family Day in GHS Cardinal Stadium. May 30, 2026.Photo: Leslie Yager

Having fun at the cheerleading station at Unified Sports Family Day. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

Scoreboard set for Unified Sports Family Day at GHS Cardinal Stadium. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

JV Dance coach Mary Spinney with dance team members at the Unified Sports Family Day at GHS. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

GHS football team members played with children at Unified Sports Family Day in GHS Cardinal Stadium. May 30, 2026.Photo: Leslie Yager

Track & field athletes set up a station at Unified Sports Family Day in GHS Cardinal Stadium. May 30, 2026.Photo: Leslie Yager

From North Street School, left to right Georgie Whiteford, professional assistant in the unique learner class; Dan Flynn, professional assistant; Emma Parker, professional assistant; David Bruni, PE teacher; assistant principal, Tiffany Johnson, and Anela Music, substitute teacher in the unique learner class. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

Head coach of the boys golf team at GHS, Jeff Santilli, helped children during Unified Sports Family Day in Cardinal Stadium at GHS. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

Soccer players helped children at Unified Sports Family Day in GHS Cardinal Stadium. May 30, 2026.Photo: Leslie Yager

Having fun at the cheerleading station at Unified Sports Family Day. May 30, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager

GHS soccer players played with children at Unified Sports Family Day in GHS Cardinal Stadium. May 30, 2026.Photo: Leslie Yager