Unified Basketball

Higher Learning Basketball has partnered with the Special Olympics of Rhode Island and Unified Champion Schools to offer a Unified Basketball Summer League for students entering grades 3–6.

This league brings together Athletes and Partners to promote inclusion, teamwork, and positive sports experiences through the game of basketball.

Program Note
This program is being offered on a pilot basis. Any athlete who requires additional adult supervision (including, but not limited to, one-to-one support, instructional assistants, teacher assistants, or PASS workers) must have that supervision provided by a parent or guardian as a condition of participation in the summer league.

2026 Unified Summer Basketball League Overview

The Unified Basketball Summer League is open to students in rising grades 3–6 who attend an elementary school in the designated participating town or city. Students must register for their community’s team to participate.

The league follows the Unified Sports model, which recommends that each team roster consist of approximately 50% Athletes (students with IEPs) and 50% Partners (students without IEPs). This balance ensures an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment for all participants.

More info

Team Requirements

Rosters

Minimum roster: 10 players (5 Athletes, 5 Partners)
Maximum roster: 20 players
Each team must have at least 5 Athletes and 5 Partners registered and committed to participating in games.
Teams are selected by the principal of each participating school.

Games

One game per week on Tuesday evenings (5:15 – 9:15 PM)
Rain make-up night: Wednesday (see weather policy for details)
Game format: Two 16-minute halves, with the final two minutes of each half played with stopped time

Season Schedule & Format

Regular season: Tuesday, June 23 – Tuesday, July 29
Playoffs: Week of August 3

Unified Basketball Summer League Overview

Higher Learning Basketball has partnered with the Special Olympics of Rhode Island and Unified Champion Schools to offer a Unified Basketball Summer League for elementary students in grades 3–6.

To be eligible, students must attend an elementary school in the designated participating town or city and register for their community’s team.

The Unified Sports model recommends that each roster include approximately 50% Athletes (students with IEPs) and 50% Partners (students without IEPs).

Director

James FitzGerald

With more than 26 years of experience in education and athletics within the North Smithfield School Department, James (Jim) FitzGerald has dedicated his career to promoting inclusive, student-centered physical education and sports programming. Throughout his tenure, he has taught Health, Physical Education, and Adaptive Physical Education to students from Pre-K through grade 12, creating meaningful opportunities for learners of all abilities to grow through movement, teamwork, and positive competition.

At North Smithfield High School, Jim has served as the Health and Physical Education Department Chair for the past 15 years and as the school’s Special Olympics Liaison for six years. Under his leadership and commitment to inclusion, the North Smithfield High School earned recognition as a Nationally Recognized Unified Champion School. He has also coached Unified Volleyball and Unified Basketball for more than 11 years, helping student-athletes and partners build confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills through sport.

A certified coach through the National Federation of State High School Associations, FitzGerald has coached basketball, soccer, baseball, and tennis across a wide range of levels, including recreational leagues, competitive travel programs, middle school teams, and high school varsity athletics. His passion for inclusive athletics and youth development continues through the creation of this new Unified Basketball Summer League, designed to provide elementary students across Rhode Island with a welcoming, supportive, and engaging sports experience.

More info

Director

487459333 10162072137468930 3558586850524558755 n

Gary McCombs

Sign up today!

Ready to take your game to the next level? Register today for Higher Learning Basketball programs and experience the difference our expert coaching and proven development methods can make in your basketball journey.