March 4, 2013

* Unified Sports is a division of Special Olympics where players with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together on the same team.

* “I participated in unified sports because I enjoy being apart of something that brings so much joy to the athletes. They are so passionate about playing and I love that. The games are competitive and a lot of fun.” * Michael Klein

* Peer partners who play with the athletes report that they hang out, or otherwise interact socially with those who have intellectual disabilities.

* Support of inclusion increases from 2% to 55% as people become more involved with Unified Sports.

* “Being able to participate in the Unified Sports has been one of the best things I have been able to do during high school. Getting to be out on the court and playing with the athletes is fun, and I have made many friends through out my time participating in it. * Andrew Holloway

* “I like it because I can meet friends. You meet all of the coaches, and we have fun together. I think the best part is playing with teammates.” * Ramon Chavez

* Unified Sports promotes healthy relationships in the schools and has a positive effect within the work force. Special Olympic Athletes are employed at five times the rate of other people with intellectual disabilities. In fact, 52% of athletes are employed, half of which are competitively employed.

* Scotts Bluff County Coyotes includes over 170 athletes and partners participating year round in four sports: volleyball, basketball, softball and golf. These teams include students from Scottsbluff, Gering, Minatare, Mitchell, Morrill and Bayard. Ages of the teams range from 8 to 21+.

* Unified Sports offered as an option in school athletics.