Unified Sports
Special Olympics Unified Sports® is an inclusive sports program that combines an approximately equal number of Special Olympics athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) on teams for training and competition.
Did you know?
- Unified Sports® can be implemented through an SONC local program within the community, or through elementary, middle, or high schools through Unified Champion Schools or on college campuses through Special Olympics College.
- Methodist University in Fayetteville started the first Special Olympics Unified Recreation league in the fall of 2014 with flag football. This program has grown to eight North Carolina universities intramural sports department offering five different sports in multiple seasons.
- Does research support Unified Sports®? You bet it does! Check out the numerous studies that have been conducted regarding Unified Sports®.
- ESPN has served as the Global Presenting Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports® since 2013.
- SONC has partnered with the N.C. High School Athletic Association to include Unified Track as part of the athletic program in high schools across the state. Learn more about Interscholastic Unified Track and Field, how the program works and how it is opening the door to high school athletics for students with intellectual disabilities.
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Sport Development Teams (SDT) are responsible for assisting with local and state level programs and competition, educating coaches and officials, and promoting active engagement among athletes throughout the year. Click here for more information. Certified clinicians supplement the SDT by providing coaches training in their community.
Officiate for Special Olympics North Carolina by donating your time as a sports official. Contact sports@sonc.net for more information.
