WATERVILLE — The Alfond Youth & Community Center, the AYCC’s Adult Unified Champion Club, and in partnership with Special Olympics of Maine, is proud to host the Unified Champion Schools – Central Maine Basketball Preseason Play Day on Saturday, Jan. 10, beginning at 12 p.m. at the AYCC.
This exciting preseason event will bring together Unified Champion Schools from across Maine for a day of skill-building, friendly competition, and inclusive community connection. The Play Day is designed to celebrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and the power of inclusion – core values of the Unified Champion Schools movement.
Unified Champion Schools promote meaningful inclusion by bringing students with and without intellectual disabilities together through sports, leadership and whole-school engagement. The preseason play day offers athletes a chance to prepare for the upcoming basketball season while building confidence, friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
In addition to hosting the event, the AYCC is proud to be home to one of the few Unified Champion Clubs in Maine for adults, providing inclusive recreational and athletic opportunities year-round. This season the AYCC has also launched a Buddy League for elementary and middle school-aged youth, expanding inclusive programming for younger athletes and fostering early connections through sport.
This winter, AYCC’s Unified programming will feature basketball and softball in the spring, along with additional inclusive recreational opportunities throughout the year. These programs reflect the AYCC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that individuals of all abilities feel welcomed, supported and empowered through sport and community engagement.
“We’re proud to partner with Special Olympics Maine and to serve as a hub for inclusive programming in Central Maine,” said Beth LaFountain, AYCC athletic director. “Events like this play day – and the growth of our Unified and Buddy League programs – demonstrate the powerful impact of inclusion through sport.”
All Maine Unified Champion Schools are invited to attend and participate in this collaborative and energetic event. Families, educators, and community supporters are encouraged to attend and cheer on the athletes. There is no cost to UCS teams or for spectators.
The Alfond Youth & Community Center is the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates the nation’s only merged Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA. Located in Central Maine, the dedicated staff of the 85,000-square-foot facility serves over 9,000 members from throughout the 50 communities of the Greater Waterville area.
A true youth and community center, the AYCC boasts childcare and afterschool programs, wellness, fitness, athletics, aquatics, martial arts and summer camps.