Unified Sports is a program of Special Olympics Arizona that brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together for training and competition on sports teams.

Joining mentally challenged athletes with volunteering partners for competition might seem like a potentially awkward scenario, but it has led to more than just healthier and more productive lives.

“It’s taken years to get to this point,” says Mary Lou Muccino, principal of Chaparral High School.  “The regular kids understand that there isn’t a difference, whether you’re a special-ed kid or not, we’re all just students.”

Unified Sports leagues are usually initiated by community organizations like schools and parks and recreation departments.

“Project UNIFY,” a nationally school-based program aimed to spread the Unified Sports message is open to all schools and is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Brian Quinn, a Special Olympics Arizona and Unified Sports manager said not every school in Phoenix is involved in the project but hopes one day the program will have widespread “unified” school communities across the Valley.

Sydney Fox, head of Chaparral High School’s Unified Sports Delegation is also a parent of a special needs child.

She said partners and volunteers have a lot to learn from each other.

New sports offer athletes social and leadership opportunities, and over 90 percent of partners say they gained a better understanding of people with intellectual disabilities after participating.

But the program is also aimed at building a diverse and accepting community, meaning all participants walk away with something more discernible, usually new friendships and a boosted self-esteem.  And equally important is the general population’s exposure to athletes with intellectual disabilities, which promotes a change of attitude toward the sometimes misunderstood and taboo group.

“The special-ed kids were definitely outcasts before Unified came two years ago,” partner and Chaparral High School student Brad Efune said.  “They’re really not that much different from us.  Now you see them getting high-fives and students aren’t as uncomfortable.”

Special Olympics Arizona and the Unified Sports Program focuses on team sports including soccer, basketball, cheerleading and track & field.  To donate, volunteer or participate as an athlete call 602-230-1200 or click here.