Hundreds of students and coaches from across Nassau County came together to spread positivity at a yearly summit Wednesday.

The fourth annual Section VIII Unity Summit was held at Brookside School in the Bellmore-Merrick School District.

Aimed at raising awareness for civility in athletics, the event was organized by Eric Caballero, Bellmore-Merrick's director of physical education, athletics, driver education and health.

Student-athletes and staff from different schools attended workshops focusing on athletic leadership, mental health, performance coaching, and sportsmanship.

“Even though when you’re versus the other team you may be enemies at the moment, after the game you guys are still people. It’s important to treat people with respect,” said Nico Pasquariello, a John F. Kennedy High School junior.

Keynote speaker Andrew Marotta, a school district communications director and leader of the Surviving & Thriving movement, also addressed the attendees.