Unified Athletics & Activities in Idaho

One Team. Shared Goals. A Place to Belong

Through the partnership between the Idaho High School Activities Association and Special Olympics Idaho, students with and without intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to train, compete, and represent their schools together.

Unified Sports creates meaningful athletic experiences while building friendships, leadership skills, school pride, and a stronger culture of belonging throughout the entire school community.

Start Unified Sports at Your School → https://www.specialolympicsidaho.org/contact
View Unified Sports Calendar → https://www.specialolympicsidahoschools.org/

What Is Unified Sports?

Special Olympics Unified Sports brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team. Students with intellectual disabilities participate as athletes, while students without intellectual disabilities participate as Unified partners.

Teams are created with approximately equal numbers of athletes and partners who are matched by age and ability whenever possible. Every teammate practices, competes, and contributes meaningfully to the team’s success.

Unified Sports is not about students helping or mentoring other students on the playing field. It is about students becoming true teammates.

IHSAA Unified Championship Opportunities

Basketball State Championship: 3/5/2027

Track State Championships: 5/21/2027

Unified Basketball

Unified basketball teams bring athletes and partners together to represent their schools on the court. Schools participate in practices and competition opportunities, with select Unified basketball experiences held in connection with the IHSAA girls and boys state basketball tournaments.

Unified Track and Field

Schools participate in regional track meets before advancing to state level opportunities held in connection with IHSAA State Track and Field. Current championship events include the 100 meter dash and the Unified 4x100 meter relay, allowing students to compete on the same stage as other Idaho high school athletes.

Support Available to Schools

Special Olympics Idaho works directly with schools throughout the year. Participating schools receive access to:

● Individual onboarding and program planning

● Coach and liaison training

● Equipment and uniform assistance

● Regional and state competition opportunities

● Athlete and partner registration support

● Liaison stipend opportunities for eligible schools

● A statewide Liaison Conference

● Youth Summit and Youth Activation Committee opportunities

● Whole school engagement activities and resources

● Ongoing assistance from Special Olympics Idaho staff

How to Get Started

Contact Special Olympics Idaho.
Identify a school liaison or coach.
Secure support from school administration.
Complete the annual UCS commitment form.
Recruit students to participate as athletes and Unified partners.
Complete registration and required training.
Begin practicing and prepare for regional and state opportunities.

Contact:

Braeden Armin
Unified Champion Schools Manager

united sound

United Sound, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to remove barriers and foster social change through music. One of our goals is to support individual music educators in creating their own United Sound ensembles through training, curriculum, support, and organizational resources so that all children have access to meaningful and authentic music education and musical experiences.

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