On Friday, Feb. 9, during halftime of the Valley boys’ basketball game, the Athletic Department will unveil the Special Olympics National Unified Championship School banner as part of a "Choose to Include" celebration. As part of the celebration, Robert Hale, Director of Unified Sports for CT Special Olympics, will unveil the championship banner, and the Valley Unified Sports team, coached by Head Coach Kate Ely, will play an intersquad scrimmage.

A Special Olympics Unified Champion School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement, and respect for all members of the student body and staff. A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence. These standards were developed by a national panel of leaders from the Special Olympics and the education community. Valley is proud to be one of five schools in Connecticut to have this distinction since 2022.

Two of Valley Regional’s Best Buddy Program student mentors, Rowan Pilon and Ellie Akehurst, created a video as part of the “Choose to Include” campaign. The video highlights Valley Regional High School’s commitment to Unified Sports, and the Unified Buddies programs.

Tickets to the Valley vs. Haddam-Killingworth boys’ basketball game can be purchased at the door, or on GoFan (GoFan.co). Tickets are $4 for students and seniors, and $6 for adults.