Davis School District Students Compete in the First-Ever Unified Sports Soccer Tournament

Unified Sports is an inclusive sports program that combines a proportionate number of Special Olympics Utah athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) on teams for training and competition. Teammates are similar in age and ability to create meaningful involvement in the game and build friendships that extend beyond the game. 

In a partnership that began last year, Davis School District and the Davis Education Foundation are proud to work closely with First Lady Abby Cox and her “Show Up” initiative, which includes expanding the Unified Sports Program in Utah schools.

“This program has been extremely successful in building friendships and fostering inclusion for all students involved. Not only do they cheer each other on when competing, they also create bonds that extend beyond the field. The joy and excitement from the players, parents, and everyone who watches at these tournaments is like nothing else I’ve seen – it’s truly amazing.” said Jodi Lunt, Executive Director of Davis Education Foundation.

The soccer tournament was held on Thursday, September 22, at the Legacy Events Center soccer field. An opening ceremony included a parade of athletes and remarks from a member of the superintendency and tournament sponsor Smart Rain.

The Smart Rain for Smart Kids Foundation was proud to be a sponsor for this event and help make this tournament possible.

“Smart Rain is not only committed to an environmentally green school ground, but also to the integration and success of every student, regardless of their ability.” said Smart Rain Foundation Director Julie Larsen.

About Special Olympics Utah Unified Sports

The program was created as a partnership between Utah High School Activities Association and Special Olympics Utah to provide schools the opportunity to participate in interscholastic co-ed Unified Sports: soccer, basketball, and track & field. The Unified Sports philosophy includes social inclusion, meaningful involvement of all teammates, playing together, and respecting teammates and others on and off the field of play.

Learn more about what Smart Rain is doing to help schools.