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Student gifted activities at Hollister High include soccer, basketball, a unified cheer team and the annual Gifted Games, where schools from across the county compete.
Program Specialist for Special Education Andrew Simmons said the school’s programs embody inclusion, friendship and unity, allowing all students, regardless of who they are or their differences, to participate in sports.
Hollister High School hosted its Special Olympics Unified Champion basketball game during lunchtime on Mar. 19 in the Mattson Gym.
“We think it’s important because they all need to have that spirit of unity and spirit of inclusion because everybody can be included in things,” Simmons said. “Not one person can be left out; everybody has the opportunity to participate in sports.”
The students try to follow the various rules of the sports as much as possible. For example, in basketball and soccer, the rules can be adapted slightly for particular students.
The Special Olympics Unified Champion School students. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Andrew Simmons, SPED Program Specialist, speaking. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Leila Romero enjoying playing the basketball game. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Emilio Garcia playing basketball with his friends. Photo by Adam Bell. 
The Special Olympics Unified Champion School students playing the game. Photo by Adam Bell. 
The Special Olympics Unified Champion School students are having fun playing the game. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Hollister High School student Gavin Wallace making the hoop. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Special Olympics Unified Champion School students. Photo by Adam Bell.
“We have a hoop that’s a little bit smaller for students,” Simmons said, “so they can still have that opportunity to shoot. We try to adapt to everybody’s needs and everybody’s differences so that they still participate in that game.”
Simmons said he thinks being included in sports activities is very important to these students because they get to participate in something they weren’t able to before, and it gives them an opportunity to learn something new and exciting..
Hollister resident Kathryn Wallace said she loves the inclusiveness and seeing people come together to support the athletes. “It is really amazing for the kids and as parents, it’s just absolutely fabulous,” she said.
“I’ve been coming and supporting my son Gavin since he’s been on the basketball team,” Wallace said. “I absolutely love coming, seeing the enthusiasm. I feel like the more that you cheer on the kids, the more excitement you see from them, so I love coming to the games.”
Wallace said she loves seeing her son with a smile on his face, and she added, definitely keeping score. She said she knows that he loves numbers, keeping score and having a good time with his friends.
Gavin Wallace said he has been playing basketball since his freshman year, keeping track of scores and playing with his friends.
“I love playing as a team,” he said. “And seeing everyone come together as a team.”
“We know that as a sport, it helps them learn how to play on a team,” Simmons said. “It teaches many various basketball skills, and it means a lot to them because it helps them feel included on campus, where they may not have felt included.”
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