Busy Time For EHS Unified Sports Includes New Event, Statewide Honor
ENFIELD, CT — It’s been a busy past few weeks for the Unified Sports program at Enfield High School, beginning with a round robin-style volleyball tournament involving four community teams and culminating in the presentation of a statewide award to the program’s head coach.
On April 22, members of the Enfield High School Unified Sports team, Allied’s Enfield Stars, and members of the Enfield Police and Thompsonville Fire departments gathered in the school gymnasium to compete for the first-ever Enfield Unified Cup championship. This new event was organized by Unified head coach Armando Ramos, and gave every team the opportunity to play each other.
The focus was on fun, supportive play and sportsmanship, with music pumping in the background and lots of shared laughs. Dynamic energy, intensity and enthusiasm were flowing on every court, from the opening ceremonies to dancing and a pizza party social. In the end, the Enfield Police Department/Enfield High School mixed team took home the championship trophy. The event showcased amazing school and town camaraderie and support.
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“This event was a once in a lifetime experience, unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime,” Unified partner athlete Lily Bellucci said.
Partner athlete Erin Connery said, “This event was a great inclusive way for a unified team to experience a sports game, and including the community made it even more fun.”
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“To see the number of Enfield High School students involved is tremendous,” Mayor Bob Cressotti said. “To see members of the Allied Enfield Stars and members of the community taking part in an event like this is very special. This is what our town really thrives on; the interaction is great. Our police department really goes above and beyond for what they raise for Special Olympics and should really be commended.”
Ramos said, “This was a really fun event where we could bring the whole community together. Great to have the Allied Enfield Stars, the police department and the Thompsonville Fire Department all come together for just a great cause and to have a great time.”
At the recent CIAC Unified Sports banquet at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, Ramos, in his tenth year at the helm, was honored with the George Synnott Unified Sports Coach of the Year award.
“The program had an outstanding year with many highlights, such as presenting seminars at CAS leadership conferences, hosting a CIAC cornhole tournament, attending Special Olympics Capitol Hill Day in Washington, hosting a volleyball tournament with Enfield first responders and our local Allied Stars, and several inclusion campaigns,” Ramos said. “We also competed in soccer, flag football, basketball, and bowling, and will be hosting a track and field night with JFK and Allied Stars on June 6.”
Enfield principal Erin Clark said, “When he started working with Unified, the Enfield program was a small after-school program. Under his leadership, he has transformed EHS Unified Sports into a popular in-school class and extracurricular program that has six sections of students. Mr. Ramos has been a strong advocate for inclusivity at EHS. His students lead efforts to build awareness such as an “End the R-word” campaign and autism awareness. Additionally, he and his students present at leadership conferences to assist other schools with promoting inclusion. Mr. Ramos has made a tremendous impact on promoting opportunities for inclusion and enhancing school climate at EHS.”
“It is not surprising to see Mr. Ramos receive this award, as he treats each EHS student-athlete and opponents with the utmost respect,” assistant principal Connell Clark said. “He prepares for these competitions as if he were getting ready to coach the Super Bowl, and when opponents come to compete at Enfield High School, he makes sure the venue and event is one to remember.”
Superintendent of Schools Chris Drezek said, “I couldn’t think of better person to receive this honor. Armando exemplifies the best of who we are as educators, and I can’t say how proud we are to have him as part of the Enfield Public Schools family.”
“Mr. Ramos is extremely deserving of this award,” assistant superintendent Andrew Longey said. “He has been a tireless advocate for the Unified Sports program not only in Enfield, but throughout the state. We could not be more proud of the work he has done and all that he does for the students in Enfield.”
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