Creating Unity Through Sports and Inclusion at North Smithfield Middle School

For Kimberly Lefebvre, Unified Sports started as something new to try. Nearly a decade later, it has become one of the most rewarding parts of her work at North Smithfield Middle School. 

Lefebvre, an instructional assistant who has worked in the district since 2005, began coaching Unified Basketball in 2015. This year, she also helped launch Unified Cross Country – another opportunity to bring students of all abilities together through teamwork, inclusion, and community. 

Now, North Smithfield Middle School has earned national recognition as a Unified Champion Banner School, an honor awarded to schools that demonstrate a sustained commitment to inclusion and belonging for all students. 

A Special Olympics Unified Champion School® is recognized for creating an inclusive school climate through three primary areas: Unified Sports®, inclusive youth leadership opportunities, and whole-school engagement activities that bring students together across differences. Schools Receiving national banner recognition must meet 10 national standards of excellence and demonstrate plans to sustain those efforts for years to come – schools must reapply for banner status every four years.  

"It just shows that we're an all-inclusive school," said Lefebvre. "We try to help kids understand and accept each other for who they are."

At North Smithfield Middle School, that commitment to inclusion extends well beyond athletics. The school has embraced initiatives like "Fans in the Stands," "Spread the Word" campaigns encouraging students not to use harmful language like the R-word, adaptive physical education programs, Best Buddies, and efforts like "No One Eats Alone," designed to help students feel connected and supported.

For Lefebvre, the work is especially meaninful in a middle school environment. 

"Middle school is so tough," she said. "Every year it gets tougher and tougher. So to see some type of inclusivity – I feel like we're at least making some connection with some of the kids."

That connection can be life changing. 

Lefebvre shared the story of a former student who participated in Unified Sports during middle school and returned to speak during the school's banner celebration ceremony. She remembers him struggling as a younger student, but through Unified Sports, she watched him transform into a compassionate leader. 

During games, she said, he would often stop focusing on the score entirely. 

"He would take a student from the opposing team who was struggling the most, walk them down the court hand-in-hand, stop at the basket, and teach them how to shoot – mid-game," Lefebvre said. "It wasn't about the win. It was about the feeling of being included."

Moments like those are why the program matters so deeply to her. 

"If I can reach one kid every year, then it's a win," she said. 

This year's Unified Champion Banner celebration in February brought together students, staff, families, town officials, and community members. Former students returned from the high school to celebrate alongside current players. The school gym filled with cheering classmates, Special Olympics supporters, and students proudly unveiling the new banner together. 

"The whole school was there," Lefebvre said. "It was just so heartwarming to be in it."

Participation in Unified Sports continues to grow. This year, 27 students signed up and commited to basketball – far more than expected. Lefebvre hopes the excitement surrounding the banner recognition encourages even more student to get involved moving forward. 

And the momentum has continued beyond the banner celebration. 

"To add to our exciting year, we just won the first annual State Championship!" Lefebvre shared. "I could not be more proud of the way North Smithfield presented themselves on and off the court."

For Lefebvre, the victory represented far more than a championship title. It reflected the culture of inclusion, compassion, and teamwork students have worked to build together throughout the program. 

The program includes both "athletes" and "partners," bringing together students with and without disabilities to compete, support one another, and build friendships. For some students, participation may mean playing in games. For others, it simply means being present, connected, and included.

"That's what it's about," Lefebvre said. "No matter what your differences are, what your capabilities are or your in-capabilities are – we're all the same. We can help each other no matter what."

Lefebvre credits the support of fellow coach Lindsey Perry, school administrators, families, and the broader school community for helping the program thrive. She says Principal Christine Lopes has consistently encouraged new ideas and supported expanding opportunities for students. 

After more than two decades working in education, Lefebvre acknowledges that the profession has changed and that supporting students today can be challenging. But she says Unified Sports continues to remind her why the work matters. 

"As bad as your day can be, on my Unified days I'm just so thankful," she said. "Those kids just put a smile on your face."

In a world that often feels divided, Lefebvre believes the lessons students learn through Unified Sports matter far beyond the court or track. 

"I, honestly, in the world we're living in, I wish we had more unity," she said. 

At North Smithfield Middle School, she and her students are helping build that unity every day – one teammate, one friendship, and one act of inclusion at a time.

For more information about the National School Recognition Program and Special Olympics Unified Sports®, visit their website.