Special Olympics Unified Sports® brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team. Participants improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills and learn acceptance and inclusion while participating in Unified Sports. A primary goal of Unified Sports is to equalize the ability level of Special Olympics athletes with their partners and to promote inclusion through team practice and competition.
Special Olympics Athletes (with IDD)
Unified Partners (without IDD)
Unified Competitions annually
Switching from 5v5 to 7v7 soccer boosts skill development, teamwork, and fitness for Special Olympics MA athletes. The expanded format enhances game dynamics and social bonds!
A Facebook message changed Justin’s life, launching him into Special Olympics MA as a Unified Partner. This initial volunteer role evolved into a rewarding career, fueling his passion for helping individuals with intellectual disabilities.
19 Massachusetts schools have earned national banner recognition from Special Olympics North America for their inclusive programming in the 2023-2024 school year. This honors their efforts to promote sports and activities for all.
Couldn’t find what you were looking for? write to us at Ops@SpecialOlympicsMA.org
Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes on a Unified Sports Team (either on a school or community team). Unified partners can be any age!
While Unified Partners are considered teammates of Special Olympics athletes, meaning they train and compete alongside each other, they will need to fill out a Class A volunteer form to participate.
Unified Partners can be any age! Individuals over the age of 18 are required to provide their social security number as they are CORI and background checked to ensure the safety and well-being of Special Olympics athletes. Individuals under 18 are required to have two non-family members write recommendations for them.
You can sign up today on with this form
All Special Olympics Massachusetts programs are free to both athletes and Unified partners!
Not exactly. Unified Sports should be a place where all players are evenly matched and get to experience fully playing sports. During practice there are opportunities for Unified partners and Special Olympics athletes to take leadership roles and to showcase their talents and skills. Typically Unified partners and Special Olympics athletes get as much out of the athletic experience as one another.