Amsterdam High School Unified Physical Education students recently joined peers from Niskayuna and Guilderland for the annual Tri-City Olympics, a day centered on teamwork, connection, and inclusion.
The event featured teams consisting of one athlete and one partner competing together in a series of yard games. Students rotated through five events, with four groups from each school earning points throughout the competition.
Amsterdam earned the overall victory with 60 points, followed by Niskayuna with 55 points and Guilderland with 35 points.
While the competition brought excitement and friendly rivalry, organizers said the event’s true purpose extended far beyond the scoreboard.
“This day is about so much more than winning,” said Jessica Verrigni, Amsterdam High School physical education teacher and Unified varsity basketball coach. “It’s an opportunity for our students to connect with peers from other districts, build friendships, support one another, and experience what inclusion truly looks like. Watching them encourage each other, step outside their comfort zones, and simply have fun together makes this one of the most meaningful celebrations of the school year.”
The Tri-City Olympics provided students with opportunities to meet new people, interact with peers from neighboring districts, and celebrate each other’s successes in an environment built on acceptance and teamwork.
As the school year comes to a close, the event served as a reminder that Unified programming creates experiences where every student belongs, every contribution matters, and relationships built through inclusion can have a lasting impact.