Unified Basketball Game Celebrates Friendship and Inclusion

Bemidji High School's annual Unified basketball game showcases the program's growth and community impact.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The fourth annual Bemidji Unified basketball game was more than just a feel-good night of hoops - it was a showcase of the program's growth and Bemidji's exemplary status of inclusivity. The event featured speeches from students like Daniel Norton, who addressed the harmful effects of using the R-word, and performances from the school's dance team and show choir. The game itself was secondary to the celebration of friendship and unity between players like Norton and Tomah Canty, who have formed a close bond through the Unified program.

Why it matters

The Unified basketball game highlights the importance of inclusive sports programs that bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities. It also underscores the ongoing effort to eliminate the use of the R-word, a derogatory term that has unfortunately seen a resurgence in recent years despite campaigns to raise awareness about its harmful effects.

The details

The Unified basketball game featured introductions for each participant, a separate game for the 'B' teams, performances by the school's dance team and show choir, and a game between Bemidji youth basketball players and the school's mascots. Despite the various events, the focus remained on the camaraderie between players like Daniel Norton and Tomah Canty, who have formed a close friendship through the Unified program.

  • The fourth annual Bemidji Unified basketball game was held on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Bemidji Unified basketball team will head to Minneapolis on February 9-10, 2026 for the state tournament.

The players

Daniel Norton

A junior at Bemidji High School who joined the Unified program during his freshman year and gave a speech about the harmful effects of using the R-word.

Tomah Canty

A senior at Bemidji High School who played football before his career was cut short due to injuries and has competed in track and field, but now participates in the Unified program.

Jackie Stoffel

The Unified physical education teacher at Bemidji High School, who has seen the program's efforts to fight against the resurgence of the R-word.

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What they’re saying

“It's like any other team I've ever been on. It's very united. We're all in this together. It's just fun, man. I can't describe it. Unified means a lot to me.”

— Tomah Canty, Unified basketball player (Yahoo Sports)

“For me, it felt nice to take part in it, and not only take part in it but also be a proud member of Unified. My aunt and uncle came all the way from Nevis to watch. They are very nice. It feels nice getting to compete with friends, against friends or against other schools.”

— Daniel Norton, Unified basketball player (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Bemidji Unified basketball team will head to Minneapolis on February 9-10, 2026 for the state tournament, where they hope to win.

The takeaway

The Unified basketball game in Bemidji showcases the power of inclusive sports programs to bring together students of all abilities, foster meaningful friendships, and promote a more inclusive and accepting community. The event's growth and community support over the past four years is a testament to the program's positive impact.