UNIFIED SPORTS®

Unified Sports^® is an inclusive program which combines individuals with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and individuals without intellectual disabilities (partners) on sports teams for training and competition.  Athletes and partners compete alongside one another, each in a meaningful and integral role on the Unified Sports^® team.

Unified Sports^® creates unique teammate bonds through sports experiences just like any other sports team. These experiences create a culture of inclusion and foster understanding in schools and communities around the state.

Participation in Unified Sports^® leads to new friendships, improved self-esteem and positive changes in attitude, behavior and performance.  The program creates a lasting impact on all those participating and is a great addition to formal and life education.

GET INVOLVED!  Complete the Unified Sports^® Interest Form online!  Visit the Forms area for additional resources including the Unified Sports^® Program brochure, Unified Sports^® Information Guide, Unified Sports^® Club Handbook and Unified Partner Application for Participation.  For questions and inquires about Unified Sports^® contact  Mick Clements, Project UNIFY Manager at 602-230-0073 or UnifiedSports@SpecialOlympicsArizona.org.

To view the "Building a Successful Unified Sports^® Program" video, follow these links:

• Building a Successful Unified Sports^® Program Part 1 of 3 

• Building a Successful Unified Sports^® Program Part 2 of 3 

• Building a Successful Unified Sports^® Program Part 3 of 3 

School Based Unified Sports

Schools across Arizona are starting Unified Sports^® Programs because of the inclusive and culture-changing opportunities it creates for everyone involved.

The following are the focus sports for school-based Unified Sports^® growth:

• Fall - Soccer

• Winter - Basketball & Cheerleading

• Spring - Athletics (Track & Field)

• Summer - Volleyball

AIA Unified Partnership

AIA UNIFIED SPORTS® VISION:  The main philosophy of AIA Unified Sports® is about inclusion and recognition of the Special Olympics athletes on their high school campus. We want the Unified Sports® athletes to enjoy the competition as it is happening by not being overly competitive, thus losing site of the overall spirit of inclusion. 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  In June of 2011, a partnership was formed between Special Olympics Arizona and the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) with the sole purpose of building a state-wide Unified Sports® system. Unified Sports® is an inclusive program that combines high school students with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and high school students without intellectual disabilities (partners) on sports teams for training and competition. Through a grant from Special Olympics International, the funds have been established to create a successful Unified Sports® league in high schools throughout Arizona. 

AVAILABLE SPORTS:  Special Olympics Arizona/Arizona Interscholastic Association Unified Sports® offers 4 sports for the school year.

Youth Activation - Project UNIFY

Project UNIFY is a program to activate youth for Special Olympics and people with intellectual disabilities.  The focus of the project is school-based Unified Sports^® and is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Visit the SOAZ Youth Activation - Project UNIFY page to learn more about this cutting edge program!

Youth Activation Committees (YACs) are critical to meaningfully involving young people with and without disabilities in the Special Olympics movement.  With that said, SOAZ is expanding the YAC model from the State YAC, to local areas and schools as well.  This will give the chance to expand their involvement and develop new skills / ideas which will benefit everyone.

The state and area YACs are open to Middle School and High School students, the deadline to apply for this school year is January 13, 2012.  Registeration info found here       

General information about Youth Activation and the types of projects which schools / student organizations are involved with found here.

For additional information contact: