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
Year after year, Robins Kaplan, LLP has hosted a golf tournament at the Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton, MA. In the 22 years that the tournament has been held, over $1 million has been raised to benefit Special Olympics athletes.
On Sunday, Aug. 20 the New England Revolution Unified Team won 3-0 against Nashville SC's Unified Team—ending their season on a high note.
On Thursday, October 14th, Norwood Public Schools organized a district-wide opening ceremony and inclusive walk to demonstrate their participation in Special Olympics MA’s Unified Champion Schools program.
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.