Students, teachers, staff, and volunteers came together this week for Cayce Elementary’s 4th Unified Day. As a Unified Champion School through Special Olympics South Carolina, Cayce Elementary’s goal is to provide an opportunity for students with and without disabilities the chance to build confidence, self-esteem, resilience, sportsmanship, and awareness for others.  

The spring event, held April 9, included athletes from other Lexington Two schools, among them Riverbank Elementary and Airport High School. Participants competed in football, golf, volleyball, soccer, baseball and more.

“Cayce Unified Day is always a special event for our community. It is an opportunity for students with and without disabilities to compete in sports,” said Assistant Principal Ashley Caulder, who coordinates the event. “The event’s purpose is always to have fun and we did just that! This year’s event was extra special because we had Riverbank Elementary join in.”

Among volunteers on hand were Airport High School varsity athletes, who ran the sports stations, as well as Tyler Thigpen, a former NFL quarterback with the Kansas City Chiefs, who has previously worked with the Cayce Unified event.

“I love that this event has started to evolve past Cayce Elementary,” Caulder said. “It is not about shining a light on us, but on the students of Lexington Two.”

Below: Tyler Thigpen, former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, students and volunteers enjoy Cayce Elementary’s Unified Day earlier this week. (Photos by Casey Corbitt Photography)