How to start a Unified Sports program

A Unified Sports program is not difficult to start. Special Olympics can provide you with all the information and support you need to begin a new program in your school and or community.

Step 1:

Organizing Your Resources

Before promoting your Unified Sports program, it is important that you recruit some key volunteers in order to run a successful program. These include:

Unified Sports Coordinator
This person has the responsibility for securing facilities and equipment, registering players and coaches, as well as the overall administration of the program. Your state’s Special Olympics Chapter office can provide training for this coordinator.

Coaches
Recruit at least one coach per team, preferably someone with knowledge about the particular sport and with some experience with Special Olympics athletes. All coaches should become certified through Special Olympics by attending a Volunteer Coaches Training School.

Officials
Certified Officials should be used for competitions. Many officials will waive or discount their officiating fees for a Unified Sports competition.