MATTAPOISETT — Special Olympics North America is awarding Old Rochester Regional High School with a National Banner recognition for inclusive sports program for students with and without intellectual disabilities.

Old Rochester is one of 17 schools in Massachusetts and 217 nationwide to be recognized by the Special Olympics for the 2024-25 school year.

Old Rochester met the Special Olympics’ 10 nation standards of excellence for inclusion, advocacy and respect in its sports programs, leadership and school-wide engagement.

The school offers unified basketball and unified track for boys and girls in all grade levels. The unified teams bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities, allowing them to partner and support each other while playing sports.

"Achieving National Banner School recognition from Special Olympics has been a goal of ours, and we are thrilled to see it become a reality," said Emma Fenton, a special education teacher and head coach of the unified basketball, track and strength and conditioning teams. "This honor reflects the dedication of our Unified athletes, families, staff, administration, and the entire student body. From Unified Bulldogs Club to our Unified Plant Sale, Unified Peer Partners course, Unified PE, and Unified Sports, there is truly something for everyone at ORR.”

Superintendent Michael Nelson stated that this is “an immense honor” for Old Rochester.

“We are proud that our high school is achieving and surpassing high standards for the inclusion of students with and without intellectual disabilities, bringing us together through sports and other community activities.”