MCPS Introduces Corollary Sports Teams to Promote Inclusivity and Equality in Athletics
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has taken a significant step towards inclusivity and equality in its interscholastic athletics program by adding three corollary sports teams after the passing of the Maryland Fitness and Athletics Equity for Students with Disabilities Act in 2008.
The groundbreaking legislation aims to ensure that students with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in physical education and athletic programs in Maryland public schools. This act addresses a longstanding gap in access to fitness and athletic activities for students with disabilities, creating an environment where all students can thrive physically and socially.
One of the newly added sports this year is pickleball, which has three divisions: Division 1, Division 2, and an Open Division. The first two divisions allow accommodational and non-accommodational athletes to be partnered together, while the Open Division pairs non-accommodational athletes with each other.
Walter Johnson High School (WJ) has embraced the opportunity to create rosters for two of the three corollary sports: pickleball and bocce. This allows students in WJ’s Learning for Independence (LFI) program to participate in competitive, team-oriented athletics, ensuring that all students can engage in a high school sports experience.
Pickleball had a successful first season, tying for first place in the county championships. The team is looking to build on this success in the upcoming season. On the other hand, WJ’s bocce team struggled in their first season, losing all five matches.
Junior Elisa Deparis, a non-accommodational pickleball team member, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports for students with special needs. She shared her experience of being paired with accommodational athlete Skylar Welch and the impact it had on both of them throughout the season.
Special Education Paraeducator Veronica Hastings highlighted the positive impact corollary sports have had on students like Skylar, noting the increase in confidence and communication skills she has seen in her.
Overall, corollary sports have had a profound impact on WJ and schools across the county, offering remarkable experiences and opportunities for all athletes. MCPS Athletics Director Jeff Sullivan expressed his commitment to continuing to evolve and improve the program to reflect the interests of all students and maintain the gold standard of inclusivity in athletics.
