EPHRATA — Ephrata's unified soccer team welcomed Eastmont to Kiwanis Field on Thursday, April 23, in a spirited spring matchup rescheduled from Wednesday after rain.

The Tigers and visiting Wildcats are among the schools taking part in a collaboration between the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and Special Olympics that pairs differently-abled athletes with player helpers. With encouragement from teammates, families, and fans, the matchups promote inclusion and give every athlete a place in the lineup.

Ephrata High School launched its program in 2021. Currently, coach Alanna Peterson's roster carries 11 athletes and seven partner/helpers this spring.

The Tigers' athletes this spring are Michael Borst, Justin Davis, Fernando Domingo Guzman, Edgar Lopez, Nayelli Lopez, Melissa Navarro, Sunnie Neff, Alejandro "Alex" Negrete Ramirez, Dustin Rhoads, Gerald Sandoval and Sophia MacNeil is the team manager. Helpers are Annjolenn Ahmann, Daniel Abrego Martinez, Josue Abrego Martinez, Gabriella "Gabby" DeHerrera, Sophia Mayhugh, Kimberly Ortiz and Ginger Santos.

Practices open with warm-ups, stretches, and footwork. Stations follow: dribbling, shooting, goalie work, and passing. Each session ends with a scrimmage or one-on-one battles while the rest of the team cheers from the sideline. Peterson names a "player of the day" every practice, recognizing hustle, good choices, or a teammate moment.

Peterson said community attendance is welcomed and expressing support is simple: come to a game, wish athletes good luck before kickoff, offer a high-five afterward.

"It means a lot to our athletes and they thrive on positive interactions," she said.

The Tigers play their next two matches on the road, then return to Kiwanis Field at 5 p.m. May 13 to host Wenatchee.