Components of a Unified Sports Program
A Special Olympics athlete is an athlete with an intellectual disability; typically, someone who is interested in sport participation, is competitive, and enjoys playing on a team.
A Unified Partner athlete is an athlete without an intellectual disability; typically, someone who is interested in sport participation, is competitive, and enjoys playing on a team.
Meaningful Competition is an important component of Unified Sport. Coaches are responsible for putting players of comparable skill together on a team and on the court in a game so that an evenly matched competition will allow opportunities for every team member to contribute.
Divisions: Competition and Recreation
Division 1 - Competitive
All athletes and partners must have attained the necessary sport-specific skills and tactics to compete without modification.
Division 2 - Recreation and Player Development
Athletes are learning or new to the sport.
Unified Partners take on a more facilitator role and support athletes in developing their skills and understanding of the game.
In this case, Unified Partners have a heightened focus on communication, defending the opposing Unified Partner and passing.
Teammates may be of varying ages and ability levels. However, they must be engaged together on the same team in the activity and in a meaningful and appropriate manner.
