[May 21, 2026] Special Olympics and the Young 9 Foundation, founded by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, have teamed up to expand inclusive sports programming. The partnership focuses on two priority regional areas: Special Olympics North Carolina and Special Olympics Programs in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Curaçao, Belize, and Guadeloupe.
Across all participating nations, the partnership’s impact will be experienced by more than 1,200 Special Olympics athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities), as well as 150 new coaches, expanding access to inclusive sport and building sustainable local programming.
The two-year partnership will support the growth of Special Olympics Unified Sports® programming, which joins people with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) on the same team to train and compete together. A cornerstone of Special Olympics programming, Unified Sports uses sport as a platform to break down barriers, foster belonging, and improve both physical and mental health outcomes.
“To be a part of Special Olympics is such an honor for me,” said Bryce Young. “My mother was a special education teacher, and being able to engage with her students growing up meant the world to me. It’s been a big part of our lives and now coming back full circle is special for me.”
In North Carolina, efforts will focus on the growth of Unified flag football for youth-based Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® programming. In the Caribbean, Unified basketball will be established as an opportunity to bring new athletes, coaches, and volunteers to the organization.
“I’m so thankful for the Young 9 Foundation’s support in growing Unified flag football here in North Carolina,” said Greg Butler, a Special Olympics North Carolina athlete. “Not only will this make it possible for more people to participate, but it will give us another opportunity to showcase our strengths, successes, abilities, talents, and potential. Every time Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners compete together, we help change society’s view of people with intellectual disabilities and drive inclusion.”
In addition to collaboration on the field of play, Special Olympics and the Young 9 Foundation share a commitment to promoting mental well being in youth. By leveraging resources such as Special Olympics Strong Minds in sports programming, both organizations will help participants develop adaptive coping skills, promoting emotional well-being, resilience, and social connection.
“We are so proud to work alongside the Young 9 Foundation to expand access to Unified Sports and integrate mental wellness into programming, creating environments where participants can develop confidence, build resilience, and deepen the impact of our movement,” said David Evangelista, Special Olympics International President and CEO. “Together, we are growing the presence of inclusive sport across North Carolina and the Caribbean as part of a broader effort to engage more young people, on the field of play and throughout life’s journey.”
Together, Special Olympics and the Young 9 Foundation aim to create lasting change, empowering youth of all abilities and demonstrating the transformative power of sport to build a more inclusive world.
