Special Olympics Unified Sports® brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team. Participants 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.
Special Olympics Athletes (with IDD)
Unified Partners (without IDD)
Unified Competitions annually
Pickleball is capturing hearts everywhere, including at Special Olympics Massachusetts. It helps athletes with intellectual disabilities improve skills and connect with others, enhancing fun and inclusion year-round.
Staying hydrated is crucial for athletes of all abilities, even as the temperatures start to cool down. Whether you’re wrapping up summer sports or training for the fall season, it’s important for Special Olympics athletes to hydrated.
MLS Unified All-Star Game promotes inclusivity with Special Olympics MA. Mars and Amelia from New England prepare for their big match, emphasizing motivation, hydration, and recovery. Catch their game online on July 23 at 3:30 PM ET.
Couldn’t find what you were looking for? write to us at Ops@SpecialOlympicsMA.org
Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes on a Unified Sports Team (either on a school or community team). Unified partners can be any age!
While Unified Partners are considered teammates of Special Olympics athletes, meaning they train and compete alongside each other, they will need to fill out a Class A volunteer form to participate.
Unified Partners can be any age! 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.
You can sign up today on with this form
All Special Olympics Massachusetts programs are free to both athletes and Unified partners!
Not exactly. Unified Sports should be a place where all players are evenly matched and get to experience fully playing sports. During practice there are opportunities for Unified partners and Special Olympics athletes to take leadership roles and to showcase their talents and skills. Typically Unified partners and Special Olympics athletes get as much out of the athletic experience as one another.