The East Providence High School Unified Basketball team won the Division IV Championship at Johnson & Wales University in Providence on Sunday, May 17. They beat Shea by a score of 50 to 48.

“This year, we had our ups and downs, with some big frustration and some big success,” said coach Dana Brodin. Both the semifinal game and the finals they came from behind, finding a way to work together and not give up. It has been a special group and we will miss our seniors!”

Says one player, Zachary Cochan, about what he has enjoyed about the sport and the team.
“The best part of this sport is that we get to know players on other teams, and we all play together to make it a great experience for the athletes,” he said.

“This is really what Unified Sports is all about,” Brodin continued. “I love watching the whole team grow in their athletic skills, social skills, sportsmanship, patience and leadership skills. Hearing our athletes getting shout-outs in the hallways as students pass their class or seeing them stop to high-five peers in classes and in lunch demonstrates the power of bringing all kids of all skill levels together in a team atmosphere.”

The kids got a hero’s welcome returning the East Providence High School, with fire and police personnel greeting them with sirens honking and a special hose shower from the fire department.