Unified Sports adds to Penn Athletics experience

Runners on your marks… Get set … POW!

Athletes make their way to the finish line passing teary-eyed parents, ecstatic teammates, and even supportive opponents. Chants are sung from the sidelines as love and fun fill the atmosphere. This is no regular sports team but, more so, an accepting family.

Unified Track is just one of the numerous sports that make up Penn’s Unified Sports, a program that joins those with and without intellectual and/or physical disabilities on the same team, holding significance for those both on and off the playing field.

Although Penn celebrated a state runner-up finish in Track and Field, the rewards of Unified Sports are much greater than a trophy or a ribbon.    

The biggest benefit of growing Penn’s Unified Sports program is simple: according to Penn’s Assistant Athletic Director Marie Doan, who oversees Penn’s Unified Sports.

“It gives more students a chance to participate,” Doan said.

Unified Sports opens the door for students of all abilities to experience the pride of wearing a jersey, competing alongside teammates, and being cheered on by their peers. Beyond the games themselves, these programs build friendships, increase confidence, and foster an inclusive school culture where everyone feels welcome and valued. 

For this reason, Penn makes efforts to expand its Unified Sports program through the addition of new Special Olympics activities. By partnering with Special Olympics Indiana and building on the success of Unified Track, Penn is taking deliberate steps to bring more opportunities to the student body. Adding new activities not only makes the program more accessible but also shows the school’s commitment to long-term growth and inclusivity. 

Even just this year, Penn has already introduced Unified Bocce in the fall, giving athletes a fresh way to come together. Next up is Unified Cornhole, which is planned for the winter season once final details are confirmed through Special Olympics Indiana. These additions mark important milestones, as they reflect a clear plan: to keep growing Unified Sports by offering a variety of activities that appeal to different interests and abilities. 

Penn’s Unified Sports program is about much more than athletics. It’s about community, connection, and opportunity. By expanding the program with Unified Bocce and Unified Cornhole, Penn is setting the stage for even more students to get involved and celebrated. The growth of Unified Sports proves that Penn isn’t just adding teams; it’s creating a stronger, more unified school culture that values every student, on and off the playing field.