We All Have a Story, Jane: Rochester, NY Portrait Project

Unifying Webster

Basketball, at a competitive level, has always played an integral role in my personal life. I met my closest friends as a player and coach; my son’s godmother is a college teammate. I even drove to Buffalo recently to meet a former player’s newborn child, and I have the pleasure of regularly visiting my high school coach.

Professionally, I am now privileged to witness basketball bringing together our community in a unique way. Unified Basketball is a collaborative effort of the NYS Public High School Athletic Association, Special Olympics and Section V Sports. The athletes, partners, and Youth Activation Committee members who make up the Webster Lakers varsity basketball team continue to drive home the school district’s One Webster motto, “Compassionately Connected, Joyfully Engaged, Always Learning.”

For me, witnessing the culture shift toward inclusion is the most rewarding aspect of my involvement with Unified Basketball. I love that basketball is helping to bring about this movement. My greatest hope for all those involved, from players to coaches, is that they are able to develop cherished friendships that will last long after they leave the court.

Jane Laskey

Director of Community Programs

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