Unified teams with Special Olympics Illinois foster friendship and inclusivity

There are just over 400 schools in Illinois that have partnered with Special Olympics to create unified sports teams, teams made up of athletes both with and without intellectual disabilities. 

But there’s only one that’s won three consecutive state championships.

They call themselves Southside de LaSalle, a team made up of teens from Southside Occupational Academy and De LaSalle Institute.

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information at Special Olympics Illinois

The team has wracked up three state champ plaques, dynasty rings and a bond that transcends the game of ball.

WG’s Erin McElroy has the story of how their dynasty has changed the game, both on and off the court.

Of the 400-plus unified champion schools in Illinois that have this programming, over 90 percent report their students say they now have a friend with intellectual disabilities. That alone, is worth celebrating. Special Olympics Illinois has their annual Champions Ball Gala coming up on the 25th of October.