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COUNTRY IN WHICH IT WAS DEVELOPED: Belgium
COUNTRY/ COUNTRIES IN WHICH IT IS OPERATING: Turkey
FACTS ABOUT SIZE AND SCOPE
1. 300 children with intellectual disabilities and 300 children without intellectual disabilities benefit by learning new
skills, gaining new friends and experiencing sports in an inclusive and fun environment
2. 16 sports club coaches gain an understanding of the importance of sharing their specific skills and knowledge with
children, seeing how they can inspire children to be involved in sports, and can share a love of sports while 34
physical education teachers learning new skills that enable them to create inclusive environments within a school
setting
3. 6 cities were introduced to a cost effective and easy-to-apply sports model that fosters social inclusion and
community spirit while 6 professional sports club are finding a way to open their doors and make a meaningful
contribution to their communities
OUTLOOK
The Special Olympics Unified Recreational model has universal appeal because it can be easily replicated in school,
sports club or community-center settings. There is no limit to age or ability so the model works equally well with adults
and children. The model can be applied to any team sport and can be adapted to single sports. Unified Recreation can
be implemented within educational systems that are segregated or inclusive. All that is required is the recruitment of
participants with and without intellectual disabilities (these individuals can be pupils, university students, family
members, employees, etc.) There is minimal need for equipment (a football or basketball/hoops) or venue (can be a
school ground, city park or sports hall) so cost is kept at a minimum.