Unified Sports are designed to bring together equal numbers of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team with others of similar skill levels. Special Olympics Unified® Sports could include bocce, bowling, basketball, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. Unified Partners must be at least 8 years old to participate and there is no age maximum.
All six of our areas offer Unified Sports. To find out what Unified Sports are offered in your area, contact your area staff.
- Fill out the online Unified Partner registration form.
- Fill out the online Class A Volunteer form (Under 18? Fill out the Minor Class A Volunteer form instead.)
- If you filled out the online Class A Volunteer form since 1/27/23, you've already agreed to our COVID and Communicable Diseases waiver and release statement. But if you submitted that form prior to that date, please complete this Communicable Diseases and COVID-19 Waiver and Release Form. (This is necessary to be compliant with Special Olympics Corporate General Liability policy guideline.)
- Complete Protective Behaviors and applicable sports training through the Special Olympics learning portal. Save the certificate.
Special Olympics athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities and community partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities)
- Inclusive sports program with approximately equal numbers of athletes and partners of similar age and ability
- Compete without modification of Special Olympics Official Sports Rules
- Teams may be eligible for advancement to State, Regional and World Games