NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- The North Ridgeville Academic Center came alive with energy, excitement and community spirit as it hosted the Unified Sports Basketball Tournament earlier this month. The event was part of Special Olympics programming. Students from Garrett Morgan, Lorain, Midview, Rocky River, St. Edward and North Ridgeville schools gathered for a day dedicated to sportsmanship, inclusion and the unifying power of athletics. The event kicked off with opening ceremonies, followed by the start of the round robin tournament. Organized by North Ridgeville Schools intervention specialists Kelsey Mueller and Jena Nelson, the tournament brought together students of all abilities, fostering an environment in which teamwork and friendship took center stage. North Ridgeville emerged as the champion of the event, winning each match other than a tie against Lorain. But, Nelson explained, the event really isn’t about winning or losing, as each participant and each team is a winner. The organizers said what makes this event truly special is the collaboration among students, as varsity basketball players step in as referees and other students guide the games and reinforce the spirit of mentorship and support. “It’s more for the fun than it is necessarily for winning. It’s just about bringing teams together to play and have fun vs. having a true competition,” Nelson said. “I think it’s important, because a lot of times our Able (Not Label) students don’t get to play on a district team, so it gives them ‘their thing’. This is their space. “You can tell when they’re coming just to practice -- they’re super into it and they look forward to it,” she continued. “Honestly, all throughout the day, you just fight back tears because it’s such a moving thing to witness and just to feel the energy in the room. “We have our students from the high school and the middle school that are allowed to come and visit the tournament and to watch the games all throughout the day and just cheering them on. It’s so moving.” The Unified Sports Basketball Tournament stands as a testament to the impact of inclusivity, where every player’s abilities are recognized and celebrated, organizers said. Nelson added that the event celebrates the abilities and uniqueness of every participant, which in turn reinforces the belief that sports have the ability to unite and uplift everyone. The event has been going on for several years. The North Ridgeville team competes in upward of five such tournaments each school year. Organizers explained that they like to end the season with these types of tournaments because the participants enjoy the event so much. Students involved range in age from 11 to 18, and in grades six through the transitional grade after 12. There are 18 players on each team. “Overall, it really just brings a sense of community, and it really brings everyone together to feel included,” Mueller said. “I think that’s pretty much what’s really important, is that our kids aren’t singled out. “They’re included in everything, and inclusion is the most important thing for our students and for the tournament.” Read more from the Sun Sentinel.