Unified Sports in Middle School was a youth-led initiative aimed at introducing middle school students to the values of inclusion through sports and assemblies. The project created meaningful opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to showcase their abilities in front of their peers. A highlight was a schoolwide basketball assembly where students cheered on their classmates with signs and strong community support.
Youth Leader Sydney Shin was inspired to bridge the gap between middle and high school communities through Unified Sports. Encouraged by a supportive special education teacher, she designed a program that fostered empathy and school spirit. Her goal was to show students the transformative power of inclusion and belonging.
Sydney organized basketball practices and a game where the middle school team played at the high school, with the entire middle school in attendance. The events built connections among students and served as a platform for athletes to express themselves confidently. She worked independently but gradually collaborated with others who shared her vision.
The project engaged 8 Special Olympics athletes and reached 350 students without ID, expanded programming in 3 Unified Schools, and introduced 10 new youth leaders. Although no social media was used, the schoolwide impact was deeply felt through in-person engagement. The event helped spark stronger interest in Unified activities within both school communities.
Sydney is proudest of how the basketball game brought the entire school together in support of inclusion. She learned to balance her own school responsibilities with leadership commitments by becoming more organized and self-directed. Moving forward, she plans to deepen the connection between middle and high school Unified programs and mentor younger athletes.