Key Takeaways
- Kelso High seniors Isayah Eddleman and Mallory Wells will represent Washington at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.
- They are part of the school’s Unified Sports program, which pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities in soccer and basketball.
- Wells and Eddleman were chosen through the Washington Youth Activation Committee (YAC) and will mentor younger athletes while facilitating events.
- Their participation highlights the lack of local Unified programs in Cowlitz County and aims to expand opportunities for future students.
- Coach Karen Cloke will accompany the duo as a mentor, expressing pride in their commitment to raising awareness and creating a positive community impact.
Student Voices and Favorite Aspects of Team Life
Both seniors describe the camaraderie of their teammates as the highlight of high‑school sports. Isayah Eddleman stresses that simply “being around my friends” and “playing together as a team” makes the experience invaluable. Mallory Wells echoes this sentiment, noting that “building bonds with every single person” is her favorite part. Their enthusiasm underscores a deep appreciation for the social connections forged on the field and court, which they view as central to their high‑school experience.
National Representation and the Upcoming Journey
In a historic first for Washington state, Eddleman and Wells have been selected as youth leaders for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. They will depart on June 18 to join other national youth leaders in a series of activities centered on supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities. Their responsibilities will include working directly with young competitors, facilitating events, and assisting participants in whatever capacity is needed. This opportunity places Kelso High on a national stage and reflects the students’ dedication to inclusive sports participation.
Understanding Unified Sports and Its Structure
Unified Sports is a program that integrates students with and without intellectual disabilities onto the same teams, allowing every participant to savor the joy of competition. Kelso High currently offers Unified soccer and basketball, providing a rare platform in Cowlitz County for inclusive athletics. Within this framework, Wells serves as a partner who supports athletes like Eddleman, ensuring that all team members can engage fully. In basketball, partners actively play alongside athletes, turning the game into a genuine competitive experience, whereas in the player‑development team, partners focus more on guidance and encouragement to keep the game progressing smoothly.
Mentorship, Selection, and Community Recognition
Kelso’s Unified coach and paraeducator, Karen Cloke, will travel with the students to Minnesota as their mentor. She emphasizes that the duo’s selection through the Washington Youth Activation Committee (YAC) reflects the significance of their work in promoting awareness and inclusion. Cloke expresses profound pride not only in Wells and Eddleman but also in the broader school community for embracing the Unified mission. Her involvement illustrates the critical role educators play in nurturing student leaders and extending the program’s reach beyond the local level.
Local Challenges and Aspirations for Future Growth
Currently, Kelso remains the sole Unified program in Cowlitz County, which presents logistical hurdles such as an hour‑long commute for every away game and the inability to host home events due to the lack of nearby teams. Wells points out that participating in the national games will generate valuable experiences and resources that could revitalize the local program. By showcasing the benefits of Unified Sports, the students hope to attract more participants, secure additional funding, and eventually establish rival programs within the region, thereby alleviating travel burdens and expanding opportunities for local youth.
Broader Significance and Positive Community Impact
The upcoming trip to the Special Olympics USA Games is viewed as more than a competition; it is a platform for raising awareness and fostering a culture of inclusion throughout the school and surrounding community. Both Eddleman and Wells aim to translate their national experience into tangible benefits for their peers, inspiring other districts to adopt similar inclusive sports models. Coach Cloke’s pride and the students’ optimism signal a shift toward greater recognition of the value that Unified Sports brings, promising a lasting, positive impact on how peers, educators, and families perceive and support athletes of all abilities.