Murray High senior Aiden Martin smiled and told his teammate it was OK that the basket didn’t go in. After all, the game was an opportunity to improve their skills. As a member of the school’s unified basketball team, Martin plays alongside students with and without intellectual disabilities. “I give them high-fives and positive reinforcement,” he said. “We’re building their confidence and reinforcing they’re doing a good job. A lot of people don’t take the time to get to know these students, but they’re so much fun. It makes me feel good being able to help empower them.” Martin and his team recently participated in a multi-team tournament at Murray High, one of several held throughout the Salt Lake Valley, providing more opportunities for teams to compete. Supported by Special Olympics Utah and the Utah High School Activities Association, the program has experienced impressive growth and now features over 200 co-ed unified basketball teams in high schools across Utah. λ