RCSD Unified Flag Football teams celebrate the end of an inspiring season with final games at Monroe High School

Rochester, New York – The field at Monroe High School was filled with cheers, laughter, and high-fives on Monday afternoon as the Rochester City School District’s Unified Flag Football teams came together to close out their fall season. Teams from East, Edison, Monroe, and Wilson gathered for one final day of play — a celebration of teamwork, friendship, and inclusion that capped off another successful year for the district’s growing Unified Sports community.

This event marked an important milestone for the RCSD, which continues to stand out as the only district in Section V offering Unified Flag Football. The program, which pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams, has become a powerful example of how sports can break down barriers and build lasting connections among students.

“What is really exciting is that we have four teams in the Rochester City School District, the only ones in Section V with Unified Flag Football, giving our students with disabilities more sporting opportunities alongside their partners in a truly inclusive way,” said Camaron Johnson, Executive Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics. “You can see the collaboration and sportsmanship in every game, with athletes cheering and helping one another, and I am hopeful this will spark more schools to join next year.”

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Throughout the season, the games were about much more than touchdowns and victories. Players supported one another, encouraged teamwork, and embodied the true meaning of sportsmanship. For many students, the program offered not only a chance to play but also to form genuine friendships that extended beyond the playing field.

The RCSD’s Unified Flag Football initiative has become a point of pride within the district, representing the values of inclusion and acceptance that the community continues to embrace. Each team—whether from East, Edison, Monroe, or Wilson—brought unique energy and determination to every match, proving that when students work together, everyone wins.

Adding to the excitement this season, players received an unforgettable opportunity earlier in the month when they were invited by the Buffalo Bills to visit Highmark Stadium. The student-athletes spent the day meeting members of the Bills organization and taking part in interactive activities designed to inspire teamwork and confidence. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that reinforced the importance of unity both in sports and in life.

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Unified Sports is a joint initiative between Special Olympics New York and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, designed to bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities to train, compete, and grow together. The mission is simple yet powerful: promote understanding, inclusion, and acceptance through the shared joy of sport.

As the 2025 fall season drew to a close, it was clear that the RCSD’s Unified Flag Football teams had achieved far more than just points on a scoreboard. They built a community rooted in respect and empathy—one that continues to expand year after year.

With enthusiasm already building for next season, district leaders hope more schools across Section V will follow RCSD’s lead and create their own Unified teams. For now, the student-athletes can take pride in a season filled with passion, perseverance, and unforgettable memories—proof that when everyone plays together, every team can be a champion.