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.
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.
Unified Sports® is offered locally, among SONC regions, and at state-level events. SONC only offers state-level competition for the competitive model of Unified Sports®.
Check your local program to see if Unified Sports® are offered locally and contact the local coordinator to learn more.
If you would like to be a Unified partner, you need to fill out a registration form (see links to the right).
If you would like to coach Unified Sports®, visit the coaches education page to find out about sport training schools and coach training requirements.
You bet it does! Check out the numerous studies that have been conducted regarding Unified Sports®. Unified Sports® even has the support of ESPN.
