The University of Northern Colorado has a diverse selection of inclusive programs on campus such as the Go On And Learn (GOAL) Program or Best Buddies. However, one of the inclusivity programs is a club called UNCO Unified. It’s a club that focuses on bringing together students and the surrounding community who may or may not have disabilities to play sports together.
“When I first came here, I saw the Unified schools banner in the rec center, and I wanted to be a part of that,” said Lisa Paulson, the faculty advisor for Unified and UNC Ph.D. student. “I assumed things would be up and running but turns out the club had been wiped away by COVID-19. So, we were starting from complete scratch with $0 in the bank account.”
The club stems from the Unified Movement that is in partnership with Special Olympics. It was created due to people with disabilities not always having the chance to play on a sports team. The club allows people to break stereotypes and empower those on the team to try something they may not otherwise had the chance to do.
“I’ve seen how beautiful [Unified] is and the difference it can make in the culture, but I’ve never seen it happen as much as I have on UNC’s campus,” Paulson said.
During the first year back in session, the club didn’t play very much, but attempted to play basketball even with the challenges of learning the sport. Now, they’ve gone on to compete in tournaments and win numerous games throughout the seasons.
“Everyone that’s played, we’ve had a really good dynamic from the very start.” said Josh Low, UNC junior and Unified athlete. “It’s been fun to see how the friendships grew throughout the season, even through the competitiveness.”
For the current school year, the club added flag football to the roster to cater towards athletes who may not like basketball. Unified hopes to add other sports in the future.
“We’re leaning towards bowling because it’s a little bit more social,” Paulson said. “We really want the club to not just focus so much on sports, but also provide other opportunities to members if sports aren’t their jam. I think just providing a safe and secure planned social outlet is a unique opportunity that maybe they don’t get within their academic support.”
The club hosts craft nights, holiday parties and other events to include those who aren’t interested in the sports aspect of the club, but still want to connect with others who are like them. All are invited to come to events even if you’re not a part of the club.
During the school year, Unified partnered with the Arc of Weld County, an advocacy organization that helps promotes the rights and independence of those with intellectual or developmental disabilities with in Weld County and surrounding counties. Many of the athletes who have disabilities come from the Arc along with UNC students from the GOAL Program.
“It’s been really great to have that partnership with the community and making a bigger impact outside of just the campus,” Paulson said.
Unified has been a conduit for many involved in the club to explore new things and get out of their comfort zone. Others have created lifelong connections that couldn’t have happened otherwise.
“Everyone on my team is my best friend because [we] connect together,” said Xavier Secrest, one of the athletes on the Unified basketball team.
Many of the members hangout outside of the club. As a group, they go to the campus recreation center to lift weights in the mornings, eating lunch with one another at the dining hall, walk around campus together, or go off campus to participate in activities they wouldn’t have known about if they hadn’t met other people through the club.
“A lot of times, the partners, the students without disabilities, sign up for Unified Club because they think they’re going to do something good and are doing a service,” Paulson said. “But what ends up happening, is [the partners] always get more out of it than what they’re giving to the athletes. They build these relationships and friendships that they didn’t think were going to exist outside of the club hours they showed up for. They realize how beautiful it is to have everyone be included. I’ve seen the culture grow and I hope it continues.”
Paulson has added another layer to club due to being in the physical education program. She has taught undergraduates how to add Unified sports to their curriculum when they graduate. She has also recruited physical education students to join Unified to make the club diverse. She has collaborated with the P.E. Club and Kinesiology, Nutrition and Dietetics (KiND) to ensure Unified continues and is sustainable after Paulson graduates this semester.
“Students can help by keeping an open mind, being supportive and learn how to help others or be inclusive,” Paulson said. “Along with listening to what other people need and make them feel seen, celebrated and heard.”
