Special Olympics Unified Sports brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team. Unified partners improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills and learn acceptance and inclusion while participating in sports alongside their peers with intellectual disabilities. A primary goal of Unified Sports is to equalize the ability level of Special Olympics athletes with their partners and to promote inclusion through team practice and competition.
All Unified Partners are required to complete a Class A volunteer form. Individuals over the age of 18 are required to provide their social security number as they are CORI and background checked to ensure the safety and well-being of Special Olympics athletes. Individuals under 18 are required to have two non-family members write recommendations on their behalf.
people worldwide take part in Unified sports
of family members in the United States report that athletes improved their self-esteem after participating in Unified Sports
of Unified Sports teammates without intellectual disabilities report increased understanding of people with intellectual disabilities
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From international competition to USA Games prep, Unified teams traveling coast to coast, athlete voices being heard, and friendships formed on and off the field, 2025 highlighted how inclusion creates moments bigger than medals.
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From Umana’s ESPN Honor Roll recognition to a statewide UCS conference, student-led acts of inclusion, championship celebrations, and unforgettable Unified moments, schools across the state showed what’s possible when everyone is included.
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On Nov. 20th, we celebrated our top 2025 Bio-Ball fundraisers at TD Garden!
Couldn’t find what you were looking for? write to us at Ops@SpecialOlympicsMA.org
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