ways to Volunteer

Become A Unified Partner

Unified Sports is designed to increase inclusion in the community, by breaking down barriers that have historically separated individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the playing field.

Unified Partner

Promote Inclusion Through Sport

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.

1.2 million

people worldwide take part in Unified sports

82%

of family members in the United States report that athletes improved their self-esteem after participating in Unified Sports

79%

of Unified Sports teammates without intellectual disabilities report increased understanding of people with intellectual disabilities

Stories

Resources and Stories

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Special Olympics Massachusetts Awarded Grant by the Yawkey Foundation to Promote Inclusion Through Sports

Special Olympics Massachusetts has announced that it was awarded a $100,000 grant by the Yawkey Foundation to support the organization’sInclusive Sports Programs across Massachusetts.

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How a Chair Brought a Father & Son Closer together

Learn how Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of MA & RI helps people live fulfilled lives through Special Needs Trusts.

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Revs Unified vs. Rapids Unified: Where Inclusion Met the Pro Stage

Revs Unified vs. Rapids Unified brought pro-level excitement to Gillette! From locker room pep talks to tunnel walks and a last-second goal, athletes were treated like stars in a night full of inclusion

unified Partners

Frequently Asked Unified Partners Questions

Couldn’t find what you were looking for? write to us at Ops@SpecialOlympicsMA.org

What are Unified partners?
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get involved as an Unified Partner

Unified Sports in Action