Unified Sports® Models

Overview Special Olympics Unified Sports® is an inclusive necessary for individuals with intellectual disabili- sports program that combines an approximately ties to be accepted and fulfilled socially (develop- equal number of Special Olympics athletes (indi- ing meaningful relationships, being accepted and viduals with intellectual disabilities) and partners respected and being better prepared for commu- (individuals without intellectual disabilities) on nity living). teams for training and competition. Three models exist within Unified Sports: competitive Unified All three models, defined below, have social inclu- Sports, Unified Sports Player Development and sion as the core outcome; however, the structure Unified Sports Recreation. All three models pro- and function of each model varies. vide different types of experiences in team sports such as basketball, football and volleyball and in other sports such as bocce, golf and tennis. Unified Sports is now offered throughout the world and has been a Special Olympics International sanc- tioned program since 1989.

Special Olympics Unified Sports promotes social inclusion through shared sport training and competition experiences for individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. Unified Sports has proven Unified Sports® (Competitive) to be highly effective in achieving social inclusion. The Unified Sports competitive model combines Athletes feel a sense of belonging; they can mean- Special Olympics athletes (individuals with intellec- ingfully interact with others, develop mutually re- tual disabilities) and partners (individuals without warding relationships, are recognized as contribu- intellectual disabilities) as teammates on sport tors and are received with acceptance and respect. teams for training and competition. Two things differentiate the competitive Unified Sports model Research studies by Siperstein (2010) and Ӧzer from the other two models: 1) all athletes and part- (2011) have confirmed the positive social impact ners on a Unified Sports competitive team must of Unified Sports on individuals with and without have attained the necessary sport-specific skills and intellectual disabilities as well as their communi- tactics to compete without modification of the cur- ties. Unified Sports is effective in decreasing the rent Special Olympics Official Sports Rules; and 2) problem behaviors of individuals with intellectual teams that participate in this model may be eligible disabilities and improving attitudes of individu- for advancement to Regional and World Games. A als without disabilities toward participants with Unified Sports team is an inclusive sports program disabilities. Unified Sports helps increase the skills with approximately equal numbers of athletes

Special Olympics: Unified Sports® Models 1 and partners. Unified Sports teams should never the meaningful involvement of all teammates as be comprised solely of people with disabilities. well as define the role of higher ability players. Athletes and partners should be of similar age and Each Program establishes rules modifications that ability in team sports. However, a greater variance fulfill these outcomes. in age and ability is allowed in specific sports. Refer to Article 1 of the Official Special Olympics Sports Unified Sports® Recreation Rules for more details regarding age and ability Unified Sports Recreation consists of inclusive rec- matching by sport. reational sports opportunities for Special Olympics athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) Unified Sports® Player and partners without intellectual disabilities. What Development differentiates this model from the other two is that The Unified Sports Player Development model this model does not follow any prescribed training, combines approximately equal numbers of Special competition and/or team composition require- Olympics athletes (individuals with intellectual ments established by Special Olympics. These rec- disabilities) and partners (individuals without intel- reational opportunities may take place in partner- lectual disabilities) as teammates on sports teams ship with schools, sport clubs, the community and for training and competition. What differentiates other private or public organizations as introduc- Unified Sports Player Development from the other tory one-day events, exhibitions or demonstrations two models is: 1) teammates are not required to (including Unified Sports Experiences) or ongoing be of similar abilities, and 2) teammates of higher activities such as physical education classes and abilities serve as mentors to assist teammates of intramurals. lower abilities in developing sport-specific skills and tactics, and in successfully participating in a Copyright ©2012 Special Olympics, Inc. All rights re- cooperative team environment. Athletes and part- served. ners should be of similar age. However, a greater All materials provided in this training are the copyright of Special Olympics, Inc. and may only be used for the pur- variance in age is allowed in specific sports. Refer poses for which they are intended. to Article 1 of the Official Special Olympics Sports In no event shall these materials be copied, reproduced, Rules for more details regarding age matching distributed or displayed for commercial purposes without by sport. Because of differences in abilities, rules the express written permission of Special Olympics, Inc. modifications are necessary, which should ensure

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