Connor Childress is one of the athletes on the Baldwinsville unified Basketball team. It's his third season, and number 24 has come a long way as an athlete.

"This year we've seen great improvements in Connor,” said Connor’s mother Pat Childress. “He's more controlled with the ball. He's actually dribbling down the court. He's stopping, thinking and making baskets properly. Instead of underhand, he's doing it the right way."

This league is more than learning basketball fundamentals. Unified Sports allows students with and without intellectual disabilities to play on one court as one team.

"They're all children,” said Baldwinsville Unified Basketball coach Carl Sanfilippo. “They're all children. And putting them together, it's a real positive program. I think it's one of the best, in 42 years of education, it's one of the best that New York State has come up with."

The gym is packed for every game. Parents, classmates, and even a secretary from a doctor's office are in the stands to support the athletes.

"They hear the cheering and it's an accomplishment,” said Sanfilippo. “And life is about accomplishments, so for these children to have that accomplishment is very, very special."

In the Bees’ (which is Connor’s favorite mascot) matchup against East Syracuse-Minoa, Baldwinsville fell to the Spartans. Connor scored four points in the game.

"Four points? That’s great," said Connor in excitement.

"It's like any other basketball game,” said Baldwinsville senior John Hernandez. “The kids are competitive just like anyone else. It's a regular basketball game. Came up a little bit short today but kids still had fun, so we had a good time."

Putting on the red and white jersey creates camaraderie at school.

"He cheers at whatever basket is made,” Pat Childress said. “We cheer for both sides. We love the interaction with the kids and seeing how expressive they are. They are so happy to be out on a court."

When asked post-game if he had fun, Connor, with a smile on his face, said yes. Win or lose, Connor and his teammates take the court and shake hands with a smile.

The Special Olympics New York Unified Games are underwritten locally by Bryant & Stratton College.