Special Olympics 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 in a meaningful and integral role on the Unified Sports team.
As part of the commitment as a Unified Champion School, each school must offer Unified Sports in some form. To fulfill this requirement, please implement at least one:
- Interscholastic Unified Sports: Offer a Unified Sports team that practices at least once a week for 6 weeks, participates in least 6 competitions, and participates in a culminating event such as Unified Cup.
- Intramural Unified Sports: Offer a Unified Sports team that practices at least once a week for 6 weeks, with the goal of shifting to an interscholastic model within 2 years.
- Unified Fitness Club: Meet at least once a month to engage in fitness activities and learn how to play Unified sports.
- Unified Game Day: Organize or participate in at least one Unified Game Day per marking period.
- Unified PE: Provide Unified Physical Education classes at least once per week for one marking period.
- Unified Sports Demonstrations: Students with and without ID host Unified Sports demonstrations and instructional sessions to offer students an opportunity to learn how to play. Offer at least one demonstration per marking period.
- Unified Recess: Conduct structured Unified Recess at least once per week for one marking period.
- Young Athletes: Offer Young Athletes for students up to grade 2 at least once per week for one marking period.