In the Peoria community, Special Olympics sports like bowling and basketball have become a powerful force for connection and inclusion, bridging gaps between athletes with disabilities and their peers. The Unified Partners program brings together athletes of all abilities to foster teamwork, collaboration, and sportsmanship, creating an environment where everyone can shine.
At the Landmark Center, where the unified bowling team practices, students are not only learning the game but also forming lasting bonds with everyone. The program has become a valuable outlet for students, both as players and as coaches, to make a difference in their communities.
Senior player Truman Raher shared how the program has affected him personally, explaining that the person that has introduced him to this opportunity, Mrs. Hayes, opened the door for him and several classmates to make a meaningful impact. “Mrs. Hayes gave me the opportunity to help others in the community,” Raher said. “It’s not just about playing a game; it’s about giving people the chance to compete in sports and activities that they might not have had the opportunity to do otherwise.”
Raher described the experience as a positive force in his life. “I feel like I’m making a positive impact on somebody else’s life,” he continued. “It’s a good experience because it opens me up to new opportunities and gives me a new perspective on the world. I’ve learned how to coach in a way that’s best for each individual, and that makes the experience more enjoyable and rewarding for everyone involved.”
The Unified Partners program is not only about the athletes—it’s about the student-coaches who help guide them. Junior player and founder of the RHS Unified basketball team, Walter Hayes, looks forward to upcoming tournaments and the camaraderie of the team. “The best part about this program is learning how to collaborate with others,” Hayes said. “It’s a chance to give back to the community, and that’s something I really value.”
The team practices regularly under the supervision of Mrs. Swanson and Mr. Kraft, with coaches and players like Alex Kilgore, JP Tamer, Connor Benway, Walter Hayes, Jarek Quinn, Nate Boyer, Ethan Reynolds, and Logan Henderson. They meet on Fridays during both A and B lunches to prepare for the season. These practice sessions provide a vital opportunity for skill development and team bonding, creating a positive, supportive atmosphere that benefits everyone involved.
On January 24th, the Unified Basketball team faced off against the Washington Unified team in an exciting match. Both teams displayed outstanding sportsmanship, with coaches working closely to support and guide their players. The Richwoods team thrived in the high-energy gameday atmosphere. It was inspiring to see different schools come together for a shared cause.
Mrs. Swanson, who has all the Unified players in class, says, “The whole experience has been amazing! My students absolutely loved working with the other kids in the building. It’s been about so much more than basketball; the bonds and friendships they have formed with the juniors and seniors has been wonderful.” Juan Quintero or Nunu as he known by most, also said he loved playing basketball for Richwood’s Unified team. His favorite part should be no surprise to anyone who saw him play; “making 3 pointers” he says with a big smile. Nunu stunned the crowd by draining five 3-point shots in the final game against Washington! A record that is sure to stand for many years to come.
Coach Alex Kilgore summed up the season in two words, exceptional and special. Alex spent many hours practicing basketball with the Unified team. According to Alex, “At first we were working on basketball fundamentals and getting to know each other. But we all genuinely enjoyed spending time together, so our practices became more frequent and longer because we had such a good time.” When asked if he had a highlight from the season, Alex said the overtime win against Washington on our home court was his favorite. The entire school was behind the team and showed great support during the first year. The whole experience was special for all the students on the team, but also for the faculty and student body.
The Unified Bowling and Basketball programs emphasize the power of kindness in bringing people of all abilities together. They show that when we collaborate and support one another, we can accomplish far more than we ever could on our own. Through their dedication, coaches and players alike set a remarkable standard of excellence, proving that unity and teamwork are what’s important in success.
Richwoods Unified Roster 2025
#3 Logan Henderson
#5 Devin Detra
#10 Nathan Boyer
#11 Walter Hayes
#12 Henry Grady
#13 Ben Waller
#14 Jakouri Brown
#21 Trystan Flowers
#22 Conner Benway
#24 Jarek Quinn
#25 Juan Quintero
#30 Ryan Miller
#31 Ethan Reynolds
#32 Robert Rodriguez
