NC State’s Unified Sports Program benefits Students and Athletes

NC State’s Unified Sports Program was started in 2015 in order to partner with the Special Olympics Community and provide an opportunity for NC State Students to play alongside Special Olympics Athletes. Ben Strunk, Assistant Director of Sports Programs believes that this is a very impactful experience for both our students and members of the Special Olympics community.

“A lot of students at NC State really want to volunteer, they want to take on more than just their academic studies. They want to gain experiences that are meaningful.” Strunk believes that the Unified Sports Program provides that meaningful experience to the students. “It allows us to really make an impact outside the thirty plus thousand students.”

Morgan Brown, a student who plays in the program, feels fortunate to have such a program here at NC State. “I think that Unified Sports provides the NC State community with a unique experience. Unified Sports are only available at a few colleges so we are lucky to experience the love and joy of the Special Olympic athletes.” Morgan thinks that both the NC State and Special Olympics Communities benefit from the relationship provided by Unified Sports, “My favorite thing about Unified Sports is the interaction with the athletes. We get to help them feel like a part of the NC State community and they provide us with a great time”

It’s NC State student Justin Adelman’s first year playing in the Unified Sports Program. Justin’s brother has down syndrome, and Justin has observed firsthand the positive effects Unified Sports has had on his brother. “I’ve seen how my brother interacts with students and he really enjoys it. He likes to feel included.”

But Justin thinks that the Unified Sports program is just as positive an experience for NC State students as it is for Special Olympics athletes. “Its fun to go out and give those guys an opportunity to play and just have fun. It’s a great way to give your time, and everyone likes to play sports. Its fun and it’s a common thing that can bring us together.”