Munster, Indiana: Both of Wilbur Wright’s gymnasiums were filled with laughter, cheers, and a strong sense of community as students from across the School Town of Munster gathered for the annual Unified Games—an event that continues to highlight the district’s commitment to inclusion.
Students from Eads Elementary, Frank H. Hammond Elementary, Elliott Elementary, Wilbur Wright Middle School, and Munster High School came together for a day centered on teamwork, friendship, and shared experiences. The Unified Games pair students of all abilities with peer pals, creating an environment where everyone participates, supports one another, and feels included.
Activities throughout the day included a dance party, parachute games, basketball, bean bag toss, and more—giving students a wide variety of ways to engage, interact, and simply enjoy being together.
“I like being at game day because I get to play with our peer pals for a long time,” said Jordan, a third grader at Eads Elementary.
The event also creates meaningful connections across age groups, something school leaders say is a key part of its impact.
Munster High School students help with the parachute. Munster, Indiana
“It’s a great event for our community,” said Bojan Jovanovic, Principal of Wilbur Wright Middle School. “Our younger kids get to interact with our older students and it brings everyone together for a time to spread joy.” Jovanovic added that the experience helps break down barriers that can sometimes exist within a busy community. “Sometimes we live in silos and don’t realize that there are so many supportive people and families in town,” he said. “To see each other and be together in camaraderie is wonderful.”
The Unified Games are supported by the district’s Exceptional Achievers program, which focuses on creating inclusive opportunities for students of all abilities.
“It’s an amazing day for the kids,” said Brianne Oliver, Director of Exceptional Achievers for the School Town of Munster. “Their peers get to participate in a day of games and activities where they are included and part of a team.”
Oliver emphasized the unity the event brings across the district.
“It’s across all grade levels—they all come together with one goal,” she said. “The support from the school and community has been great. The number of parent volunteers and supporters who came out to cheer on the students was amazing.”
Community support played a major role once again, with families and local sponsors helping create an atmosphere of encouragement and celebration.
“We had community sponsors as well, and everybody comes together to support our students,” Oliver added. “We want our students to feel like we celebrated them and that they were part of something memorable.”
By the end of the day, the impact was clear—students left with smiles, new friendships, and lasting memories from an event built on inclusion, joy, and community spirit.
