The Klamath County School District is launching a new Unified Sports program designed to bring students of all abilities together through team athletics. This winter, the district will debut four Unified basketball teams representing Henley High School, Mazama High School, and high schools in north county and south county.
Unified Sports, a program developed through Special Olympics, unites students in shared team experiences that promote inclusion, understanding, and school spirit. The model pairs Unified athletes — students with intellectual disabilities — with Unified partners — students without disabilities — to compete side by side in school-based athletics.
To launch the program, the district will host a parent information meeting at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Mazama High School. Families of potential Unified athletes, as well as students interested in becoming partner athletes, are encouraged to attend.
The Unified team will be co-ed and open to students in 9th- through 12th-grades as well as students in the district’s Klamath County Transition Program.
Randy Denson, KCSD special programs principal, and Alex Stork, head teacher with the Klamath County Transition Program, are the program coordinators.
“A lot of school pride and connection comes from participating in athletics,” Stork said. “Many of our students with intellectual disabilities haven’t had those same opportunities. Unified Sports allows them to experience that sense of belonging and pride that comes from representing their school.”
Under program guidelines, each Unified basketball team will include both unified athletes and partner athletes, with a ratio of three students with intellectual disabilities to two partners on the court at a time. The games are designed to emphasize teamwork and collaboration over competition, ensuring a balanced and inclusive playing experience.
Practices will begin in January, with games scheduled for this winter season. Each game will consist of four eight-minute quarters, making them accessible and enjoyable for players and spectators alike.
The Unified Sports initiative is supported by the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) and aligns with similar programs throughout the state. The district also hopes to add Unified track and field in the spring with the goal of expanding opportunities for interschool competition as programs grow.
Organizers also are seeking coaches and student partners to join the effort. Partner athletes can earn community service hours or use their participation as part of senior projects.
“We’re excited to bring this to our schools,” Denson said. “It’s about inclusion, connection, and giving every student a chance to share in the joy and pride of representing their school.”
Those interested in participating or learning more about the Unified Sports program can contact Alex Stork at 541-891-0188. The district is also looking for team coaches and volunteers. If you are interested in participating, volunteering, or coach, please fill out KCSD Unified Sports Interest Form HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOruL0sFzIyQO7w488n0de1KlRpPRiToBmh2rSStBjxoabbQ/viewform
