With her devotion to sports and passion for working with students with special needs, Wareham High School teacher Megan Kashner is eager to launch the district’s first unified sports team.

“Both sports and special education has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” said Kashner, a 1999 graduate of Wareham High School.

Kashner spoke at the School Committee’s Wednesday meeting where she received approval for the unified sports track and field team. The team will allow students with special needs to compete and train alongside students without disabilities, said Kashner.

“Teammates will compete side-by-side at competitive track meets,” she said.

Kashner added that schools in Carver, Brockton, Seekonk and others have fielded unified sports teams.

There will be four track meets held each year after the season starts this spring. Students who aren't already on a varsity team will be allowed to tryout, meaning high school track athletes won't be able to participate. State rules prevent student-athletes from competing in two varsity sports in one season.

The program is an initiative of the Special Olympics, which will help support the team financially for two years.

Kashner said it costs approximately $4,000 to cover team expenses. The Special Olympics donated $2,000 this year and will donate $1,000 next year to help cover costs.

Fundraising efforts will pay for the rest. Kashner said that money has already been secured for 2017.

School Committee members applauded her effort and Kashner thanked them for the support.

“This is a blend of my two passions,” she said.