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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Boston Scientific Goes the Xtra Mile for Corporate Social Responsibility

Not often does one associate running 26.2 miles as part of a company’s philanthropic responsibility; but Boston Scientific employees are making their debut on the Special Olympics MA Xtra Mile Boston Marathon Team.

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Lieutenant LJ Jedrey hits the road to help Special Olympics MA reach $1 Million this Plunge season

LJ Jedrey, Andy Larose and Al Pires are headed to Michigan to retrieve an incredible, unique vehicle that will help Special Olympics MA on its road to $1 Million… the Bear Force One.

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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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How much does it cost to participate in Special Olympics Unified Sport Programs?
Do Unified partners provide one-on-one support to athletes?
get involved as an Unified Partner

Unified Sports in Action