Unified Sports® is an initiative that combines approximately equal numbers of Special Olympics Athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (called Partners) on sports teams for training and competition.  Age and ability matching of athletes and partners is defined on a sport-by-sport basis.  

Throughout the year, Special Olympics Pennsylvania offers competition in bowling, long distance running/walking, softball, speed skating, volleyball and training in bocce, aquatics, athletics, basketball, equestrian, golf and powerlifting. 

The concept of combining athletes with intellectual disabilities and those without was first introduced in the mid-1980s to provide another level of challenge for higher ability athletes and to promote equality and inclusion.

Unified Sports® enables Special Olympics athletes to:

• Learn new sports
• Develop higher-level sports skills
• Have new competition experiences
• Experience meaningful inclusion (each athlete is ensured of playing a valued role on the team)
• Socialize with peers and form friendships (the initiative provides a forum for positive social interaction between teammates and often leads to long lasting friendships)
• Participate in their communities leading to choices outside of Special Olympics

Unified Sports® programs are often initiated by the following:

• Special Olympics Programs
• Community Partners such as the Boys and Girls Club of America, park and recreation departments, church leagues or YMCA leagues
• An interscholastic or intramural after school league at the Junior or Senior High level
• An independent league sponsored by business or civics groups

Partners can be recruited from:

• Schools, universities or colleges
• Corporations
• Civic groups
• Families
• Friends

Unified Sports® teams are coaches by volunteer coaches who should attend a Unified Sports® Training offered by Special Olympics.  Unified Sports® teams participate in competition in local programs, invitational, sectional, state, national and international competitions.