Alex loved sports. However, as a student with a disability, he often struggled to find opportunities to participate in athletic activities. That all changed when his school started a unified sports program.

In that program, he found a sense of belonging and acceptance that he had never experienced before.

Being a part of a unified sports team gave Alex a chance to pursue his love of sports and helped him develop valuable life skills. 

He learned to work as a team, communicate effectively, and build self-confidence.

The program is more than just a sports team – it’s a movement that promotes inclusivity and acceptance for all.

What is Unified Sports?

Unified Sports is a program that provides students with disabilities the opportunity to play a variety of sports alongside students without disabilities. 

The unified sports program supports students’ physical and mental abilities by training together. 

Students can learn social skills and develop practical communication skills while playing together on unified teams.

This is a program that supports and strengthens the development of each student through fun and games. 

Are unified sports part of the Special Olympics?

Yes, this program is under the umbrella of the Special Olympics. It is a place for all individuals to experience abilities and strengths they never knew they had. 

Also, it is a place for students with disabilities to come and share their own unique traits and qualities with others that the world needs to see. 

Unified sports might even be a place that one calls home for only a moment—a place to feel loved, accepted, and given a chance to try something new. 

What sports are in unified sports?

When I first learned about unified sports, I was inspired by this great opportunity for my students. 

Many of my students, who had participated in previous years, looked forward to it and talked about it constantly during the school year. 

Our school had two sports seasons: winter and spring. 

In the wintertime, the students loved playing unified basketball. This was the popular sport of both seasons because many of my students knew how to play it well and found great joy in showing off their talents with friends. 

In the Springtime season, the students participated in a Track and Field Day where they demonstrated their passion for outdoor activities.

List of Unified Sports that are Popular Today:

• Basketball
• Soccer
• Track and field
• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Flag football
• Bowling
• Golf
• Swimming 

These sports are adapted to meet the needs of all athletes, regardless of their skill level or ability. 

Unified Sports also offers a range of individual and team sports, both indoor and outdoor, so athletes can find the sport that best suits their interests and abilities. 

Overall, Unified Sports Teams aim to promote inclusivity, teamwork, and sportsmanship through the power of sports.

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Our School’s Unified Sports Program

Like any other club in the school, there was an interest meeting for Unified Sports. This is where general and special education students met to learn about the upcoming season and more about the Unified Sports Program. 

It was amazing to see the number of students with and without disabilities show up to learn about this sports program. 

It made me realize that there were many general education students who not only wanted to play the sport. 

But they also wanted to do so with special needs students, to learn from them and get to know these individuals better. 

The Winter Season

During the basketball season, the students would practice during their Physical Education (PE) class to hone their skills. 

Of course, not all students excelled right away, but the general education students were present as mentors to guide each student toward success in basketball. 

It is truly a wonderful experience to see students with disabilities achieve skills such as: 

• Make their first basket
• Learn how to dribble down the court
• Make a successful pass to their teammates

After weeks go by, the students are ready for their first games. 

What made this program exciting was being able to challenge other schools within the district to play as many games as we wanted. 

Sometimes the games would be at home, and others would be away. So let me paint a picture for you of my experience of a home basketball game. 

Are You Ready for the Game?

The teammates entered the gym with their school pride jerseys and noticed the stands filling up with students to watch. 

Somebody had set the scoreboards, and the music played loudly to pump up the team and the crowd. 

Their coach welcomed them and told them to start warming up. 

Each student had a buddy, took a ball, and began to warm up for the game. 

They started…

• Dribbling
• Throwing the ball to make a basket
• Passing the ball to their teammates

The visiting team entered the building and did the same. 

Then, the announcers (aka staff and administration) began to welcome all who had come and asked everyone to prepare for a great game. 

Sometimes parents and siblings would show up for the game, which made the students feel extra special. No seat was left empty, and it was loud.

There was an equal balance between students with disabilities and without on the court. 

Then, it was time to start the game. First, each student huddled up with their coach to receive directions for the gameplay. 

 The referee and teams were on the court, the ball in his hands, he blew the whistle, and the game began! Crowds cheered for their teammates as they went up and down the court. 

Some students are in wheelchairs, others super-fast, and some take their time to get to the hoop. But it didn’t matter. Each student was making a memory and loving the moment. 

Whenever someone made a basket, the whole gym lit up! The crowd was LOVING IT!! 

It was also remarkable that regardless of their team, all the students received praise for making a great play or basket. 

As the game ended, you could tell each student was tired but full of smiles. They paid their respects to the visiting team, and that was it. A moment they will never forget. 

The Spring Season

Many students participated in a track and field day in the spring seasons. This time, all the schools participated in one big event held at one school and on the outdoor track. 

The students would once again be wearing their school colors and excited. In addition, the general education students were also present and eager to support their teammates this season. 

For Track, there were various activities and races each student would participate in. Some would want to do a relay, others individual races, and some would support and cheer on the sidelines. 

This season was more about showing off a student’s strengths to help his team win the gold. The excitement for the basketball game is just as exciting as the Track season. 

All the students cheered and called out their teammates’ names to encourage them to push hard for the finish line. It’s invigorating, and all the students come back with smiles on their faces. 

Benefits of Unified Sports

Those memories of the winter and spring season always bring a smile to my face. They remind me of why I began as a teacher and the beauty that each student brings to our world. 

The memories of each student smiling, laughing, and talking amongst their friends about their successes make my job so worth it. 

Everyone wants to be included and have a sense of victory and success in their life. 

I am passionate about the Unified Sports Program, and I hope to see it develop and grow across all special education programs in the future. 

There are many benefits to participating in Unified Sports, including the following:

1. Improved physical health and fitness
2. Increased socialization and communication skills
3. Development of teamwork and sportsmanship
4. Boosted self-esteem and confidence
5. Enhanced cognitive function
6. Reduction in stress and anxiety
7. Promotion of inclusion and acceptance of individuals with disabilities
8. Formation of friendships and a sense of belonging
9. Encouragement of community involvement and volunteering
10. Increased opportunities for personal growth and development.

Participating in Unified Sports can positively impact all athletes involved, promoting physical health, socialization, and a sense of community.

Is Your Child Ready to Sign Up?

Regardless of their abilities, every person desires to experience acceptance and love. In addition, they want to be allowed to try new activities or hobbies to learn more about themselves. 

This program, Unified Sports, is one that genuinely supports those traits. I desire to see this program develop nationwide and in each school. 

All levels can participate in this program, from elementary through high school. If it is not in your child’s school, advocate for this program because our students with disabilities need a place to feel like everyone else, even if it is just for a moment. 

Additional Resources 

• How to Teach Your Special Needs Teen Transitional Skills at Home
• 7 Effective Intervention Strategies for High School Students
• ESY – Extended School Year For Special Education the Ultimate Guide
• Social Stories For Teens

Do you have a child that needs more one on one assistance?  

We offer one-on-one special education tutoring for all ages (even adults) that can be done from anywhere the student is! Why? Because our special education experts conduct their sessions online!

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