Middle and High School Resources

Unified Sports® teams are comprised of an approximately equal number of athletes (students with intellectual disabilities) and partners (students without intellectual disabilities). Our Unified teams dramatically increase inclusion in the community, using sports to help break down barriers that have historically kept people apart.

Special Olympics provides free training resources, sports equipment and uniforms! Interested? Complete an Equipment Request Form and your school can join the Inclusion Revolution!

Unified Fitness

Unified Fitness Challenge

This 8 week training program will increase students’ strength, flexibility, endurance and includes basic nutrition, social and emotional lessons. Schools can order free student equipment kits.

Fit 5

Athletes want to perform their best at every competition. Fit 5 is a plan for physical activity, nutrition, and hydration. It improves your health and fitness making you the best athlete you can be.

Nutrition

A great athlete makes certain every meal is balanced to ensure the body is in top shape for performance.

School of Strength

Introducing a whole new way to exercise, featuring WWE Superstar Becky Lynch. Work out with these videos five times a week to help you stay fit and reach your athletic goals. 

Strong Minds®

Strong Minds is an interactive learning activity focused on developing adaptive coping skills. Competition provides a natural opportunity to develop active strategies for maintaining emotional wellness under stress, such as: thinking positive thoughts, releasing stress and connecting with others.
1 Min Read

Unified Sports® Coach Resources

Coaching Unified Sports® Online Course

This required one-hour virtual training will prepare you to launch a successful Unified Sports program at your school. A must for new Unified Sports coaches!
1 Min Read

Administering Unified Sports at the High School Level

This resource is designed for anyone responsible for administering Interscholastic Special Olympics Unified Sports® at the high school level.

Unified Sports Videos

The Unified Sports® video series is an accessible, easy to understand collection of informational videos; each video provides insight on the value of Unified Sports® and the roles people play on and off the field of play.

Unified Sports Coach Guidelines

The guidelines will help you be an effective Special Olympics Unified Sports coach.

7 Criteria for Unified Sports Success

Extensive field-testing has demonstrated that Unified Sports teams are most likely to accomplish the goals of the program when the following 7 criteria are met.

Unified Sports Meaningful Involvement

The concept of Meaningful Involvement is an effort to optimize participation by all athletes and partners in Unified Sports competition.

Competitive vs. Player Development Models

It's important to understand the type of team you coach. Learn the differences between competitive Unified teams and developmental Unified teams.

Special Olympics Unified Sports: A Student’s Guide

A guide by students for students. Encourage your students to follow along this guide to learn how they can create inclusive environments within their school.

Sports Information

Get in the game! Find your Special Olympics Area Program to learn which sports are offered near you. Contact your Region Director if you are interested in starting sport not currently offered in your Area.

Sport Rules & Coaching Guides

Find the Special Olympics rules and helpful Coaching Guide for your sport.

Additional Resources

Unified Sports Videos

Watch these videos to get inspiried and learn about the impact Unified Sports can have at your school.

Unified PE Guide

This document is not a curriculum, but rather a compilation of ideas and examples that teachers may use to bring the Unified Physical Education concept to their school.

Fitness Guide

Proper fitness and health goals can mean the difference between a disappointing season and a successful one.

Staying Involved After High School

Graduation from high school signifies the end of one phase of your life and the beginning of a new one. We invite any student with an intellectual disability who is approaching graduation to participate in a community-based sports.