The Elmbrook School District’s Unified Sports pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams to train, compete, and lead together. It builds real friendships, school pride, and an inclusive culture through shared sports experiences.
Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Mr. Flegel and EEF Executive Director Beth Dobrzynski in person, and hearing their stories face-to-face made the impact of this program feel real.
Five years ago, a freshman at Brookfield East, Hannah Christiansen, lit the spark for Unified Sports. Advisor Mr. Flegel still smiles when he talks about her: “Hannah was the main driver. She did an incredible job getting the ball rolling and continually improving the programs at the high school and, eventually, middle school. She’s a person of high character, maturity, and passion for others, and we’re blessed to have had someone like her.”
Since that first year, participation has taken off. “Our numbers last year were over 60 participants, which I never would have dreamed of,” Mr. Flegel recalled. “We’ve had a boom between athletes and partners, and students are not only involved, but committed to making Unified Sports a fantastic experience.”
That commitment especially comes alive on game day. “It is all hands on deck,” Flegel said. “Athletes prepare to compete and have fun, partners are heavily involved with practices and events and do a great job starting with relationships.”
He is already thinking ahead, “hoping to continue growing offerings to match our growing numbers and interests,” and he made a point to thank the Elmbrook Education Foundation for helping “bring the Unified program to new heights.”
Each spring, EEF reviews district priorities brought by Dr. Hansen, and Unified stood out after staff saw it in action. As Beth Dobrzynski put it, “You watch the kids and realize it’s not just education or sports, it’s about building the complete student. Unified helps students understand that the world is much bigger than them and think about how others live. In a community as fortunate as Elmbrook, looking outside yourself is really powerful.”
Her message to students is simple and generous: “If you can spend time walking in another person’s shoes, you’ll have a broader understanding of the world. Too many times people get caught up in their day and don’t understand what others are going through. When you give back, supporting someone in Unified Sports, it brings so much to your own life. It brings you out of that bubble.”
Unified Sports began with a community willing to say yes. Today, it looks and feels like shared school pride. With continued support from EEF and partners, we can expect more schools and students to be seen and celebrated.
