Cape Henlopen School District’s unified sports program is setting an example for the rest of the state.
The flag football team’s hard-fought 46-34 come-from-behind victory over Caesar Rodney Nov. 28 marks the first state title for the district’s unified flag football team after three straight semifinal finishes. That triumph symbolizes the grit, unity and determination that define the district’s inclusive mission.
But the flag football win is just one chapter. Cape Henlopen also fields unified basketball and unified track and field teams, providing year-round opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities to train, compete and connect.
The school’s commitment to inclusion recently won larger recognition: Special Olympics Delaware honored Cape as its 2025 Outstanding Unified Champion School. The award celebrates schools that engage students with and without intellectual disabilities in inclusive sports, youth leadership and whole-school activities.
Through unified sports, adaptive physical education, unified choir and club activities like the Best Buddies Club – plus community events such as the district’s statewide bocce tournament – Cape fosters a school culture grounded in respect, belonging and shared humanity.
It is a reminder that success is not measured solely by trophies. As Superintendent Jenny Nauman observed, the heart of the district is its inclusivity: “a community that leads with inclusion, compassion and teamwork.”
The unified flag football championship is a milestone showing that when schools commit to inclusion, they are nurturing not just athletes, but also empathy, connection and community. Cape isn’t just winning games; it’s helping every student feel welcome, valued and strong.
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Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporter Chris Flood.
