Special Olympics Unified Sports®
is a program that combines approximately equal numbers of Special Olympics
athletes and athletes without mental retardation (partners) on sports teams for training and competition.
Age and ability matching of athletes and partners is specifically defined on a sport by sport basis.
Though the above definition allows for partners with
disabilities other than mental retardation, Unified Sports®
was developed to provide Special Olympics athletes with the
choice of a sports program that brings about meaningful inclusion with their
non-disabled peers. According to the Arc of the United States: “Many
people with mental retardation are still separated from people without
disabilities. They are being denied the opportunity to participate in, benefit from, and enrich the
daily life of their communities. Inclusion is bringing people with and without disabilities together throughout their
lives.” (The Arc Inclusion, Position Statement 7, 2000)
The desired objectives of a Unified Sports®
experience are best fulfilled when partners on a team are individuals
without disabilities. Even though an individual with a disability may make an appropriate partner,
“Special Olympics Unified Sports®
teams should never be comprised solely of people with disabilities.” (Tim
Shriver, 12/3/1998)
Special Olympics Unified Sports®
is an additional means for carrying out and fulfilling the mission of
Special Olympics. Teams are
constructed in such a way as to provide training and competition
opportunities that meaningfully challenge and involve all athletes. These opportunities often lead to improved sports skills, higher
self-esteem, equal status with peers, and new friendships.
Extensive field-testing has demonstrated that Unified Sports®
teams are most likely to accomplish the goals of the program when the
following criteria are met:
1.
An appropriate sport is
selected – A variety of factors influence the determination of which
sport(s) is chosen for Unified training and competition. Some
of these factors include availability of qualified coaches, ability levels
of potential athletes and partners, finances, and opportunities for
competition.
2. Qualified coaches lead the
program - Unified Sports®
teams should be organized under the guidance of a trained coach who
understands the principles of Unified Sports®
and the rules, techniques, strategies, and training regimens of the
selected sport.
3. Appropriate teammates are
selected – It is fundamental to the Special Olympics experience that
each athlete on a team has the ability and opportunity to contribute to the
team’s success. Team members
should have the requisite skills to participate on a Unified Sports®
team without causing undue risk of injury to themselves or others. Additionally, team members should be matched by age and ability as
specifically defined by the sport.
4. Quality training leads to
competition – All team members of a Unified Sports®
team shall have a minimum eight weeks of training (practice, scrimmages.
League competition) before the culminating local or state competition.
5. Unified Sports®
rules are followed – All Unified Sports®
competitions should be conducted according to Official Special Olympics
Sports Rules, including placement of Unified Sports®
teams in appropriate age and ability divisions.
