Unified Sports
Special Olympics Unified Sports creates unique teammate bonds through sports experiences, just like any other team, and the participants compete in Special Olympics competitions. More than half a million people worldwide participate in Unified Sports, breaking down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities in a fun way.
Why It Matters
200 million people with intellectual disabilities are denied social inclusion in society. SOLA helps pave the way for community-wide inclusion and offers a positive foundation for activity between special education and general education students in school. Over the years, our Unified programs have attracted high-profile partnerships with companies like ESPN, to raise awareness for our mission.
Age 8 and Under? Get Involved!
Young Athletes
The Young Athletes Program introduces children with and without intellectual disabilities ages 2–7 (Pre-K to 2nd grade) to the world of sports through fun activities that support cognitive, social, and motor skill development (walking on a floor-level balance beam, jumping on targets), as well as encourage the development of age-appropriate sports skills.
