Suisman Shapiro Sponsors ECC Unified Sports at Norwich Free Academy

2/15/2011

Suisman Shapiro is a proud sponsor of the Eastern Connecticut Conference Unified Sports program. A basketball tournament was held at Norwich Free Academy on Tuesday, February 15.

Unified Sports is a program that combines approximately equal numbers of individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same sports teams for training and competition. All participants are of similar age and ability. Unified Sports is an important program because it expands sports opportunities for athletes and partners seeking new challenges. In addition, Unified Sports dramatically increases inclusion in the community by helping to break down barriers that have historically kept people apart. At the same time, Unified Sports provides a valuable sports opportunity to individuals who are not presently involved with Special Olympics or other sports programs.

Teams are constructed in such a way as to provide training and competition opportunities that meaningfully challenge and involve all athletes. These opportunities often lead to improved sports skills, higher self-esteem, equal status with peers, and new friendships.

Unified Sports was adopted by Special Olympics Inc. in 1989.