May 2, 2025- On an energetic Friday at Wilbur Wright Middle School, students of all abilities came together for an event that was more than just fun and games—it was a celebration of unity, empathy, and friendship. The Special Olympics Unified Game Day brought the Munster school community together in a vibrant display of inclusivity and school spirit.
Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of activities including basketball, soccer, and classic parachute games. A lively dance room gave everyone the chance to let loose and celebrate together. The highlight of the event was a festive parade, where students marched through the school hallways to the cheers and applause of their Wilbur Wright peers, creating an unforgettable moment of support and celebration.
Students gathered in both gyms at Wilbur Wright Middle School to enjoy games, activities and friendship.
Fourth grader MacKenzie from Frank H. Hammond Elementary summed it up best: “This is a great event and I like that all of us can get together and dance in the dance room.”
Unified Game Day is part of the broader Special Olympics Unified Sports program, which brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams. The goal is not just to encourage physical activity, but to foster mutual respect, understanding, and lifelong friendships.
Students gathered in the dance room to twist and groove.
“This is our fifth year doing the event,” said Dr. Vida Choucalas, Director of Exceptional Achievers for the School Town of Munster. “It is in partnership with Special Olympics and what we do is pair our children with special needs with a Munster student peer, and they are able to compete in events together with assistance.”
Wilbur Wright students cheered on their peers and students from Eads, Elliott, Frank H., Wilbur Wright and Munster High School.
Dr. Choucalas emphasized that the benefits of the event go both ways. “It’s a great event and program because the students who come to assist learn empathy, diversity, and how to be a friend that helps others. The students with special needs benefit because they make new friends and build strong social-emotional bonds.”
Unified Game Day at Wilbur Wright Middle School is a shining example of the district’s ongoing commitment to inclusion. With every game played, high-five shared, and dance move busted, the students of Munster proved that when we all come together, everyone wins.
Cheers to the 5th annual Unified Game Day at Wilbur Wright—bringing students together for fun, friendship, and inclusion!
