1. Chandler Special Olympics Unified Cheer

2. Special Olympics & Unified Sports
For people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is often the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves
The lessons learned in Special Olympics also impact their life skills
The Special Olympics Arizona Unified Program promotes social inclusion for individuals with disabilities and those without disabilities through sports, health, youth and adult leadership, and other self advocacy programs and campaigns
More than half of adult Special Olympics athletes in the United States are employed, versus 10 percent of intellectually disabled persons who do not participate in Special Olympics.
Sports training enhances focus and gives participants a structure for learning important lessons about perseverance, endurance and setting goals

3. Why is Special Olympics so important?

4. Ben Wesson, November 2015
Ben poses with Basha Unified Sports Varsity letter and certificate of participation for the 2015 season of Unified Flag Football

5. How did I join the movement?
Partner:
Basha and Perry High School Unified Sports
2 Years
Flag Football, Track and Field, Basketball
Coach:
Chandler Cougars
1 Year
Youth Bowling, Softball, Soccer, Cheer, Track and Field

6. Grant LaFleur (left) and Tyller Ayers (right), October 2015
LaFleur and Ayers rest between games
at Poston Butte Unified Flag Football Tournament

7. Becoming a Unified Cheer Coach

8. Unified Cheer Step 1: Learn How to Cheer I skipped this step
Step 2: Practice
Once a week for two months
Step 3: Compete
Register with Special Olympics Arizona to compete in area and state competitions

9. Area Competition, February 2016
Left: Michelle and Susie celebrate after winning second place in their division at area competition. Top Right: Coach Tyller poses with Macy after competition. Middle Right: Chandler’s Unified Cheer team. Bottom Right: Chandler’s Unified performs dance routine.

10. Changing the world is a contact sport. Game On.
Impact
Changing the world is a contact sport. Game On.
-Special Olympics
Impact on Me:
I am constantly reminded of the importance of inclusion, acceptance and overcoming societal barriers I learned how to cheer
Impact on Them:
Athletes in my community got physical exercise and learned or improved their social skills and confidence levels
The partners on my team learned how to become involved with Special Olympics, and how to become more accepting and inclusive

11. State Competition, March 2016
Top Left: Final scoring sheet of Chandler Unified Cheer Team. Top Center: Unified Cheer team poses immediately after performing at state. Bottom Left: Chandler Unified Team takes selfie during performances at State competition. Right: Chandler Unified Partners practice stunting after competition.

12. Mission Statement
Benevolence
Honor
Scholarship
I spent my time coaching people with intellectual disabilities
I promoted inclusion and acceptance among people with and without disabilities
I was given a leadership opportunity among my peers and adults

13. PLAY UNIFIED LIVE UNIFIED

14. Bibliography
Special Olympics Arizona. “What We Do.” Special Olympics Arizona: n.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2016

15. Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
-Athlete Oath