Unified Sports connects students across campus
After a successful first year in 2022, Utah State’s Unified Sports program is back with its flag football league. On Sept. 27, Special Olympics athletes gathered with USU students to kick off the season with assessments and drills before their first games.
Created in 2008, Unified Sports aims to give students with disabilities the opportunity to play on organized sports teams and connect with the community. Since its beginning, the institution has spread to over 8,000 schools across the United States and continues to grow.
Kayla Irlbeck, graduate assistant of competitive sports at Campus Recreation, has been working with Unified for some time now. After working as an intramural officer and sports supervisor, she decided to bring the program to Utah State.
“This is our second season running flag football with campus intramurals and Unified Sports,” Irlbeck said. “We partner Special Olympic athletes with students around campus, and we run a traditional flag football season with them and get a chance for everyone to collaborate.”
Unified Sports prides itself in giving opportunities to athletes who didn’t have the chance before. Their inclusive nature lets players from all walks of life show up and have fun.
“It’s been so life-changing for them. They’ve gotten to make so many different friends and it’s really made them feel like a part of the Utah State community,” Irlbeck said.
Athlete Josh Fletcher has been able to make friends and stay active in a way which helps him feel comfortable.
“It’s where we come together and have a fun time,” Fletcher said. “We can make fun memories.”
After participating in Unified’s past seasons, he felt the program was a good fit for him. When asked about his favorite memory in the organization, Fletcher said, “Probably getting a touchdown. It made me feel happy. I might do it this year!”
The leagues haven’t only benefited the athletes. USU students get to partner with athletes, creating new and long-lasting friendships.
Jocelynn Hansen, competitive sports supervisor at Campus Rec, cares deeply about Unified and how it helps the campus become more inclusive.
“Sports in our culture have become so focused on winning, money and fame, even at the collegiate level. But to see students with a pure love for the sport playing, whether they’re partners or athletes. They’re there because they love the sport, and that’s something we have in common,” Hansen said.
Hansen emphasized just how important Unified is for these young athletes.
“In high school, all their classes were separate, and giving them an opportunity to have a sense of community and doing something together no matter our differences impact them greatly,” Hansen said.
“I know Josh from the basketball season last year, and we had such a huge turnout. The fact that he remembers me makes my world.”
Irlbeck stressed Unified’s effects not just for the athletes, but for the partners as well.
“We had students that started with us last fall and they’re back again to do it this year. Those who come out and participate have a great time; they love being part of it, and friendships go both ways. You see athletes hugging their partners every week. The relationships are really meaningful and impactful,” Irlbeck said.
Both students and athletes who are interested in participating can contact Irlbeck at kayla.irlbeck@usu.edu.