In the spring of 2012 Chandler Unified School District starting participating in what is called unified sports. The district started with participating in basketball and gradually added more sports. After being around for four years students and others still are confused as to what exactly unified sports are and what their purpose is.

According to Chandler district athletics department, “the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) and Special Olympics have joined together to create Unified Sports in schools.”
Their purpose is to create an all encompassing program where people with intellectual disabilities can partner with those without intellectual disabilities for competition and training.

Our school district participates in  unified cheer, flag football, track and field and basketball. CUSD offers unified sports at both junior high and high school level.

The head coach for all of Perry’s unified sports is Nora Boettcher. Perry’s unified track and field season has started and basketball will soon follow.

Its only fair that everyone including those with disabilities are able to participate in some healthy competition by playing a sport of their choice as offered as an unified sport.