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    Get Involved

    As a Unified Partner

    Special Olympics Unified Sports

    Get involved in the most inclusive sports movement around

    Circular, red Special Olympics unified sports logo

    Special Olympics Unified Sports® brings together athletes with intellectual disabilities and athletes without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team. Volunteers improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills, and learn acceptance and inclusion while participating in Unified Sports. 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.

    Unified sports

    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 for them.

    Getting Started as a Unified Partner

    Complete our Volunteer Interest Form so we can find available opportunities in your area.

     

    Current Unified Partner Opportunities

    Winter Season: December – March

    Basketball Unified Partners needed in Leominster

    • Season is December through mid-March.
    • Practices held at St. Leo’s Parish School Gym in Leominster.
    • Practices are Sunday afternoons between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. Multiple teams are available and each team will be assigned a specific time block between 1pm and 5pm. Practices will be no longer than 1.5 hours.
    • Must be 13 years or older for this team.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Basketball Unified Partners needed in North Andover

    • Season is December through mid-March.
    • Practices are Thursday’s 7:00pm-8:00pm at the Thomson School in North Andover
    • Must be 18 years or older for this team.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

     

    Spring Season: March – June

    Volleyball Unified Partners needed in Fitchburg

    • Season is March through mid-June.
    • Practice time and location are being finalized.
    • Must be 16 years or older for this team.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.