Hosted by Unified basketball, Across Borders 2025 welcomed the Unified basketball team from Morse High School in Bath, Maine, celebrating inclusion, friendship and the spirit of Unified Sports on Dec. 13 and 14.
Throughout the weekend, both teams participated in team-building activities, shared meals and a variety of Unified sporting events. On Dec. 13, the day began with various introductory activities, followed by a dinner prepared and served by Algonquin’s culinary classes and dance in the cafeteria. On Dec. 14, the Morse team returned for a full schedule of Unified games and activities aimed at building connection, confidence and community.
The idea for this event came about when Culinary arts teacher Zbigniewa Giegucz and her daughter, Educational Support Professional Stefani Giegucz, visited Bulgaria to work with students with disabilities over the summer. It was there where they met the coach from Morse High School, Charlie Bingham, and realized they wanted to carry on the legacy of their experience.
“As we were in Bulgaria, the three of us were talking that it’d be so cool to get the two Unified teams together,” Zbigniewa Giegucz said. “Because they come from different backgrounds, it would be a cool thing for [the players] to meet each other, and see that they’re Unified teams all over, not just in Massachusetts.”
For Stefani Giegucz, there was an additional incentive behind hosting this event. Growing up with a physical disability, she didn’t have many people in her life who shared similarities with her. So, she wanted this event to make kids feel comfortable and not alone.
“I hope they learned that wherever you go, there’s going to be people similar and different from you, but in the end, you can all be there and work together,” Stefani Giegucz said.
After a couple of hours and activities, friendships began to form. According to Zbigniewa Giegucz, kids were thrilled to meet new people and connections for life were formed.
“We didn’t want them to just work with the people at their school the whole weekend,” Zbigniewa Giegucz said. ”They had to integrate and expand their horizons … and learned a lot of other things by being with peers that [were like them].”
Post-graduate Catie Campbell enjoyed the bonds, friendships and overall experience that came about from the event.
“I liked making a lot of new friends,” Campbell said. “That was my favorite part.”
Stefani Giegucz also shares this sentiment and believes that this event was very special and memorable, hoping to host many more events similar to Across Borders in the years to come.
“It was really heartwarming to see them actually having fun with people,” Stefani Giegucz said. “I think, is highly important to host and put on events like this. I think it gives more exposure to our GenEd population, and it gives more of a sense of togetherness for everybody.”
