Southwest Oklahoma's Special Olympics Unified Basketball Tournament - Promoting Inclusion through Sports

Teams from all across Southwest Oklahoma came together for the Special Olympics Unified Basketball Tournament. The event, which was held in Lawton, was a great success, with kids from the Great Plains area Special Olympics team participating and benefiting from the games.

Jerri Santos, a member of the team, said that the kids benefit from the event in many ways. “It forms a lot of friendships, it makes a more inclusive community in the school, and it’s just something I’m very passionate about,” Santos said.

Unified sports got started in 2013, where Special Olympic athletes can compete with their non-disabled peers. The goal of this event is to promote inclusion through sports. By bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, the event aims to break down barriers and promote understanding and acceptance.

Kourtney Knutson, a senior who has been playing as a partner since she was in 6th grade, said that seeing the smile on the kids’ faces and allowing them to be accepted and welcomed like all other athletes is what makes the event so special. Joslyn Lockhart, another partner, enjoys playing the sport she loves with kids that share her interest. “It just opens windows to get to know people better,” she said.

Different organizations came together to make this event possible, including Glen Gatling from “All About Understanding” who helped provide referees and keep score of the games. “Anything that goes on with the youth, we want to collaborate with the community and be involved,” Gatling said.

In addition to promoting inclusion, the event also helps to break down stereotypes and highlight the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities. As Santos said, “I just want people to know that these athletes are capable, and they’re so loving and they have such great attitudes.”

The Special Olympics Unified Basketball Tournament is an excellent example of how sports can be used to promote inclusion and understanding in our communities. It’s a great way to break down barriers and promote acceptance of all people, regardless of their abilities.