Page 93 - Revised Unified Sports Curriculum electronic version Rev. 8.1_2

HISTORY OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED SPORTS®
 The concept of Unified Sports®, originally called “Integrated Sports,” was brought to the
attention of Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the 1983 Special Olympics
National Conference in Park City, Utah.
 The idea was generated through Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) due to changes
occurring in the field of intellectual disabilities. Most of the agency director and leadership of
this period were interested in programs putting people with intellectual disabilities together with
people without disabilities. Social integration was the buzzword of that time period. It was in
this climate that Special Olympics Massachusetts created an integrated softball tournament.
 Luckily for Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver approved further research. The name
was changed from “Integrated Sports” to “Unified Sports®” and in 1989 she announced to the
world the endorsement of this new program.

CULTURAL INFLUENCES:
 Played worldwide, both ambulatory and wheelchair basketball.
 Basketball is the most popular indoor sport in the world.
 Youth, high school and collegiate programs encourage both male and female participation.
 Professional organizations National Basketball Association and Women’s National Basketball
Association, (NBA & WNBA) provide career opportunities for both men and women.
 People from all socio-economic backgrounds can play because basketball is an inexpensive
sport to play.

BENEFITS OF BASKETBALL:
 Health Benefits
 Increase energy level
 Increase cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility
 Decrease risk of diseases (heart attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes)
 Decrease stress and tension levels
 Social Benefits
 Learn concepts of teamwork
 Learn to follow rules
 Learn discipline and commitment
 Social enjoyment interaction with peers and/or friends
 Enjoyment
 Travel opportunities and increase cultural awareness

Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) 2 06.01.2011
Permission from PUSD#11