What is Unified Sports?

Unified Sports is a part of the National Special Olympics and is partnered with Special Olympics Connecticut.  In 1992 the Connecticut Special Olympics formed a partnership with the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) to bring Unified Sports® to Connecticut’s schools. The CIAC/Special Olympics Unified Sports® Program operates throughout the school year and has organized events during each sport season for middle and high school students.  

Unified Sports is a program dedicated to ensuring that students of all abilities can participate in sports, while socializing and developing friendships and bonds with their peers. Unified Sports partners students with and without intellectual and physical disabilities to participate in three sports seasons throughout the year. The cooperative and innovative partnership between CIAC and Special Olympics Connecticut has had and will continue to have a dramatic impact on the number of students who have the opportunity to participate in organized team sports through their school. 

Who can join Unified Sports at SWIFT?

Everyone! Unified Sports is open to 6th, 7th and 8th graders here at Swift Middle School. Students with and without physical and intellectuals disabilities are all welcome! Please be aware however that spots on the roster are limited and spaces are first come, first serve. No try outs!  

What will I do at Unified Sports?

The Unified Sports team is made up of both Athletes and Helpers. In keeping with the goals of Special Olympics, helper students will participate in activities with their assigned athletes, facilitate activities, take on team leadership roles, develop friendships with other helpers and the athletes, and assist the coaches at practices and games. 

What if I am not “the best” at the sports offered?

Unified Sports is all about having fun! We are not looking to develop the “best athlete” only the “best friends” when it comes to participating in Unified Sports. Our goal is not to win games, but to have some fun and develop meaningful, strong connections between our helpers and our athletes. 

Helpers: If you do not know the rules or have not played before that is ok! The coaches are going to train you and are there to help you! Your job is to have fun and help our athletes to have fun, too. 

What sports are offered at Unified Sports?

• Fall: Soccer

• Winter: Basketball

• Spring: Kickball & Cornhole

What is the time commitment for Unified Sports?

Unified Sports is a once a week commitment. Our practices are held once a week on Tuesday’s from 2:45-3:30 pm. The Late Bus is available. On game weeks, there will be no practice.

Do I need to participate in all 3 seasons?

Students are encouraged to participate in all three seasons to deepen their bond and friendships with their assigned athletes. But please note that student participation in all three seasons is not required. Students are encouraged to participate in 1, 2, or all 3 seasons depending on their interest and availability. 

Do we do anything besides play sports?

While the seasonal sports are the basis of our program, Unified helpers will have other opportunities as members of the team to participate in other school activities. Students who demonstrate leadership may even earn the chance to attend a Leadership Conference with Unified Teams from across Connecticut!! 

If you have questions please see Mr Peronace in Room 204 or by email: 

peronaceri@watertownps.org