PU Statement

Brief History:

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 AIA Unified Sports® system. AIA 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. Arizona is one of three states in the U.S. to form a partnership for Unified Sports to thrive within the high school environment. Through a grant from Special Olympics International, the funds have been established to create a successful AIA Unified Sports league in high schools throughout Arizona.

Why It’s Important to Join:

AIA Unified Sports creates unique teammate bonds through sports experiences just like any other sports team
The experiences gained create a culture of inclusion and foster understanding in schools
State-wide exposure through various public relations opportunities
Participation in AIA 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

Important Facts:

• Five sports (Flag Football, Cheer, Basketball, Track & Field, and Golf (Phx Union and Tucson districts only)) will be offered during the school year
• A paid stipend mentor will help implement each schools program
• Each school must sign a Letter of Intent to not only choose the sports they want to participate in, but to also become an official AIA Unified Sports Team
• Each school will receive a one-time credit of $250.00 to purchase uniforms, apparel, awards, etc. with Buddy’s All Stars. Contact Ron Shepro at ron@buddysallstars.com for any related questions
• Athletes will receive a varsity letter and we encourage each school to include the AIA Unified Sports athletes in their end of the season sports banquet
• Special Olympics Arizona will pay for the AIA Catastrophic Insurance for the AIA Unified Sports athletes

AIA/SOAZ Unified Sports®: 2012-2013 School Year

• Flag Football | October 2012 (4-6 Games)
• Cheerleading | Fall 2012 & Winter 2013
• Basketball | February 2013 (6-8 Games)
• Track & Field | April 2013 (4Meets/Invitationals)
• Golf | October 2013 (2 to 4 Matche

How to get your unified team up and running

                             Athletic Director                                                            Coach/School Rep.

For more information contact Scott Brown, SOAZ/AIA Unified Sports® Director at:
Email: sbrown@aiaacademy.org / Phone: 602-690-4250