NORTH SMITHFIELD – North Smithfield Middle School has earned the 2025 National Unified Champion School Banner from Special Olympics Rhode Island, an achievement recognizing a commitment to inclusion through both unified sports programs and overall culture.
“Our program is based on three components: Unified Sports, whole school engagement and inclusive youth leadership,” explained Jeff Smith, senior director for Unified Champion Schools for Special Olympics Rhode Island, during a visit to announce the award to the School Committee this week.
Smith noted that to earn the designation, a school must meet a set of rigorous standards established by Special Olympics North America, and that unified sports – where students of all abilities play together – is just one of the requirements.
Kimberly Lefebvre, a 20-year instructional assistant at the fifth to eighth grade school, began coaching NSMS’s unified basketball program 12 years ago.
“Deep down, I always hoped that one day we would become a national unified champion school,” Lefebvre said.
With help from assistant coaches Lindsey Perry, Jennifer Hawes and Sarah Dionne, the school added cross country to the unified lineup last year, with Lefebvre serving as head coach. But Lefebvre said she doesn’t think of herself as “head” of the program.
“Without them I would not be able to do any of this,” she said. “That’s what makes the program so special – unity and collaboration.”
On Tuesday, students testified about the program’s impact on their school experience.
“My coaches helped teach me sportsmanship, a positive attitude and confidence,” said Austin Lamoureux, an 8th grade student who Lefebvre noted has played unified basketball for three years – and has been the fastest runner at most of the school’s cross country meets. “I have made a ton of friends and everyone can play. We are unified and that makes me feel confident. My teams are one of my favorite activities.”
The program is open to students in 6th through 8th grade, but Samantha Cartwright noted that she started serving as scorekeeper for the basketball team while she was still in fifth.
“I feel like I get to be part of something impactful for my school,” said Cartwright. “Being on this team makes me feel like the kind of person I can be proud of.”
“I’ve always struggled to fit in with my classmates and felt like an outcast because of my quirkiness, but being on a team with people that all have their own quirks and deal with similar feeling and struggles as me with day to day life helps me feel like I belong,” added Cartwright. “I feel supported, empowered and loved by this amazing team of athletes. Every game is an accomplishment whether we win or lose.”
Smith noted that he works with 133 kindergarten through 12th grade schools across the state to “help them build and sustain a culture of true inclusion where every kid in the school, whether you have a disability or not, has opportunities for exceptional and meaningful experiences.”
North Smithfield Middle School applied for the banner in April and their submission was examined by both statewide and national evaluators.
“This really is a substantial accomplishment, not just for the school but the whole community,” said Smith. “They really embraced inclusion, equality, opportunity and it’s been great to work with them.”
A celebration where the organization will present the school with a National Unified Banner has been scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6.
“This is such an honor,” said School Committee Vice Chairperson Jean Meo. “I think we have to thank the athletes and their teammates, because they have brought this honor to us. I just want them to know that they’re our heroes and we are very proud of them.”
Committee member David de la Cruz said the honor serves as a reminder that learning is more than just curriculum.
“It’s character formation and giving students confidence,” said de la Cruz. “I commend you all, and congratulations.”
