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Unified Sports

Special Olympics Unified Sports® is an initiative that combines approximately equal numbers of Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (called Partners) on sports teams for training and competition. Age and ability matching of athletes and Partners is defined on a sport-by-sport basis.

The following sports offer Unified Competition:  Aquatics, Athletics, Basketball, Bowling, Golf, Softball, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball

Unified Sports enables Special Olympics athletes to:

• learn new sports
• develop higher-level sports skills
• have new competition experiences
• experience meaningful inclusion (each athlete is ensured of playing a valued role on the team)
• socialize with peers and form friendships (the initiative provides a forum for positive social interaction between teammates and often leads to long-lasting friendships), and
• participate in their communities and have choices outside of Special Olympics. Unified Sports programs often are initiated by community partners, including parks and recreation departments, schools and community sports organizations. These partnerships help further include athletes in their community.

Unified Sports Orientation

Required for all Unified Partners; provides training on the goals, philosophy, rules and is essential for coaches and athlete partners who are involved with Unified Sports.  This training is often offered as part of a sports specific clinic. (link to Training Schools and Certification)