According to the Special Olympics Website, Unified Sports is “a program by Special Olympics that promotes social inclusion by pairing individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same sports teams.” Unified Sports are part of the Special Olympics program and were launched in 1988 when the Special Olympics Unified Sports initiative was presented at conferences in Reno, Nevada, and Lake Tahoe, California.
The first sports teams created were for bowling, softball, and volleyball. As of 2010, there were a total of 5.3 million participants, including both athletes and teammates. Athletes are individuals with disabilities, and teammates are individuals who assist the athletes.
Unified Sports is a wonderful organization that promotes inclusivity and growth while combating ignorance and harmful stereotypes. Unified Sports truly are for everyone, and all students should consider becoming a teammate sometime during their high school career.
OPHS Teacher Amy Grossman is the coach of all the OPHS Unified sports teams (basketball, bocce, and bowling). When asked what she would say to those thinking about joining the team, she shared that “Helping others helps yourself.” Unified sports is an easy way to make your high school years more meaningful, and no prior experience is necessary. Joining a new activity can be nerve-wracking for many people, but Mrs. Grossman advises that “you will quickly discover a world of fun and fulfillment!”
At Orchard Park High School, the Unified Basketball program was launched in the spring of 2022. The program started small and mainly consisted of athletes and teammates from the OPHS Unified Bowling team, which was created in 2021. The season lasted from March to early June, but OPHS did not host an in-school assembly game that year.
Arguably, the reason so many OPHS students are familiar with Unified Sports is that the in-school assembly basketball game is now played once a year during the last period of the day. The OPHS Unified Basketball team nearly doubled in size after the first in-school assembly game in 2023. The assembly showed students the power of inclusivity and the positive impact it had on everyone. After watching one game, who wouldn’t want to join the Unified Basketball team?
OPHS senior Travon Thomas watched the assembly game and described the experience as “far more electric” than any other sports game he’s seen or attended. Thomas said, “It was exciting. I was happy for everyone out there.”
Unified Sports provide an environment for both athletes and teammates to grow. While athletes are learning the rules of the game, teammates are learning about cooperation in a new light and what sports are truly about. Teammate Austin Carducci has been on Unified Basketball for two years, and when asked what Unified means, he thoughtfully responded, “Unified taught me how to be a good friend, teammate, and just a better person.”
Unified Sports also combats ignorance and negative stereotypes regarding individuals with disabilities. These talented kids can do anything they put their mind to, but sometimes they just need a little encouragement, like everyone else. The athletes already know how incredible they are; it’s the audience that benefits from watching them: attending a Unified game shows the audience that any negative previous notions were incorrect. Athlete Jon Sheehan is a Unified Basketball veteran of four years and said Unified has helped build his confidence.
Students might be hesitant to join Unified because they are unsure of proper protocol, do not know how to play a particular sport, or how to sign up. The only rules of Unified Sports are to be kind to everyone and try your best. Everyone, no matter their ability, has the opportunity to excel. Another plus of Unified Sports is that everyone is taught the rules of how to play. Prior experience is a plus in any situation, but at Unified, it is not a requirement. Everyone is learning together. Before the season starts, there are multiple fliers posted around the school advertising the start dates and how to sign up. Mrs. Grossman is also a great resource for anyone who wants to explore Unified Sports further.
Unified Sports truly are for everyone, and all students should consider becoming a teammate sometime during their high school career. Stop in room 120 if you have any questions about joining this program.
Paul Moskal • Jun 4, 2025 at 6:52 pm
I am very proud of Orchard Park High School, its athletes, and Mrs. Grossman for not only encouraging athletic endeavors, but doing it in way that emphasizes inclusivity. Academics and athletics are important components of high school life. Unified sports combines those programs and puts into action the idea that we must treat everyone with dignity and respect. This is a win-win-win proposition for all of us.
I am very proud.