Unified Sports

Schools & SOSC

Unified Sports is a program in which people with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and those without (partners) train and compete together on sports teams.

It was inspired by a simple principle: playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

WHY IT MATTERS

200 million people with intellectual disabilities are denied social inclusion in society.

Special Olympics helps pave the way for community-wide inclusion.

Offers a positive foundation for activity between special education and general education students in schools.

Attracts high-profile partners, like ESPN, to raise awareness.

Ways to Play Unified

Young Athletes

Introduces children ages 2-7 to the world of sport, with the idea of preparing them for Special Olympics training and competition. It is conducted as an inclusive program.

Unified Fitness

High Five for Fitness

A set of resources for youth ages 8 – 21 to help you take control of your own fitness by making healthy choices.

Unified Fitness Club

Provides a fun, social environment that encourages year-round physical activity.

Unified CIF

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), Special Olympics Northern and Southern California and the California Department of Education (CDE) have formed a partnership to establish an inclusive culture that promotes participation opportunities for student-athletes with disabilities.

This partnership enables CIF member schools to implement Unified Sports programming on their respective campuses.

SO Colleges

SO Colleges functions as an official club on campus and connects college students and individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport to build friendships and help lead the social justice movement of Special Olympics.

MATP

Designed to prepare athletes with severe or profound intellectual disability, including athletes with significant physical disabilities, for sport-specific activities appropriate for their abilities.

Motor development activities correspond to official Special Olympics sports. Make it Unified by pairing general education peers with these students to work through these activities together.