Paisley and Radi were inspired by the students at their school who connected best through video games—especially those who struggled to engage through traditional sports or school events. Recognizing that not every young person feels at home on a field or court, they decided to create a new kind of team: one where connection, inclusion, and strategy came through shared screens and friendly competition. With the help of their teacher and mentor Ms. McClure, they envisioned an E-Sports club as a way to offer something new to their Unified Sports program—one that honored everyone’s strengths and created space for new friendships.
The project launched a new E-Sports team at their Utah high school, equipping students with gaming consoles including Switches and Xboxes. With a budget focused entirely on technology and equipment, Paisley and Radi worked closely with their school’s IT director to troubleshoot challenges and get everything up and running. From organizing schedules to sending invites and creating space for players with and without intellectual disabilities to game together, the youth leaders took the lead in creating an environment of mutual respect and fun. The club hosted sessions focused on favorite games, team-building, and inclusion, providing an opportunity for students to “step into each other’s shoes” and bond through a shared passion.
The E-Sports team engaged 30 students—15 with ID and 15 without—while also sparking interest among other students who had not previously participated in Unified activities. The project created one new Unified Sports club and expanded programming at the school, giving two new youth leaders hands-on leadership experience. Even though the project had no social media component, the in-person impact was immediate and meaningful. Students who once struggled to connect in traditional environments found confidence and friendship through gaming, and the project opened doors for more creative approaches to inclusion in the future.
“We’re so proud to have started a new sport that brought in new students and made everyone feel welcome,” said Paisley. Radi shared that learning to overcome technical challenges was a big part of the journey, but the best part was “getting to make new friends and learn how to play esports together.” Both leaders said the experience helped them grow in public speaking, problem-solving, and planning—and both plan to stay involved with Unified programs for the rest of their lives.