Special Olympics Fact Sheet
Unified Sports®
Background
Unified Sports® is a pioneer program that
combines approximately equal numbers of athletes with and without
mental retardation, of similar age and ability, on teams that
compete against other Unified Sports teams. Unified Sports® is
an important program because it expands sports opportunities for
athletes seeking new challenges and dramatically increases
integration in the community.
The Unified Sports® program was launched
throughout the United States in 1989, after two years of
field-testing. Current sports include Aquatics, Basketball,
Bowling, Distance Running, Football (Soccer), Softball,
Volleyball and Alpine Skiing.
Unified Sports® is a unique and important
program because it:
- Integrates athletes with and without
mental retardation in a setting where all athletes are
challenged to improve their skills;
- Provides a valuable sports opportunity to
individuals with mental retardation who are not presently
involved with Special Olympics: especially those with
mild retardation, and those in communities where there
are not enough Special Olympics athletes to conduct team
sports;
- Prepares athletes with higher level skills
for participation in school or community sports;
- Increases public awareness of the spirit
and skills of individuals with mental retardation;
- Enables Special Olympics athletes'
families to participate as team members or coaches in
Unified Sports teams;
- And enables athletes to develop
friendships and an understanding of each other's
capabilities through a spirit of equality and team unity.
How it Works
A Special Olympics Unified Sports® program can
be conducted in a variety of settings, including:
- A program organized by a Special Olympics
group;
- A community or church sports program, such
as an adult softball league or YMCA volleyball league;
- An interscholastic or intramural
after-school league at the junior high school or high
school levels;
- A part of the league system at a local
bowling alley;
- An independent league sponsored by
business or civic groups;
- A program in cooperation with a local
recreation and park association.
Athletes with mental retardation who
participate in Unified Sports® may or may not be involved in the
local Special Olympics programs. Athletes without mental
retardation can be recruited from schools, corporations, civic
groups or other community organizations. These athletes must be
similar in age and skill level to the athletes with mental
retardation who participate in the program.
Unified Sports® teams are
coached by volunteer coaches who may attend a Special Olympics
Coaches Training School in the appropriate sport. Teams may
participate in Unified Sports® divisions at Special Olympics
Area, Chapter and International Games.
For more information or to contact
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