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It's How You Play The Game: A Celebration of Unified Sports

After freezing during basketball tryouts a high school student with autism sets up a Unified Sports program. Before their first game he needs to overcome his anxiety and lead his team onto the court. Although he is clearly the best player, he demonstrates that the joy of playing the game is more important than winning. Set to original rap music, this film reminds us that high school sports should not be about winning, but how you play the game.

  • Samuel Lawrence
    Director
  • Samuel Lawrence
    Writer
  • Samuel Lawrence
    Producer
  • Mr. ElAre
    Music
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Music Video, Short
  • Genres:
    Documentary, Music Video
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 26, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director Biography - Samuel Lawrence

I am a person with autism. Contrary to what you might think, this is an incredible gift for a filmmaker. I see things that most people ignore. My films reflect my experience of growing up with a disability and ideas about how society needs to change to become more inclusive.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This video is a celebration of the Unified Sports program at Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, Colorado. Featuring the music of Mr. El-Are, this film demonstrates the power of inclusion. Unified Sports, a program sponsored by the Special Olympics, offers high school students with intellectual disabilities, such as autism, Down's syndrome, etc, a chance to participate in high school sports. This film was created by Sam Lawrence, a young filmmaker with autism.