London, ON - Western Campus Recreation's inaugural event brought Western students and Special Olympics athletes together for a day of sport, friendship and inclusion.

Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, and that was on full display at Western University's first-ever Try Unified Sports Day, held Saturday, October 3, at Althouse College Gym.

Organized through Western Campus Recreation, the event welcomed 13 Western students and 19 Special Olympics athletes for a day of activities designed to introduce participants to Unified Sports, build new friendships and celebrate inclusion through recreation.



Participants joined mixed teams for basketball, soccer, bocce, dodgeball and cornhole, along with team-building activities and games. The day also featured a dance party and a live concert at lunch featuring participating athletes.

For Marcus Nandu, Unified Ambassador for Western Campus Recreation OR Student Coordinator of Western's Unified program through Campus Recreation, the event was an opportunity to introduce more people to a program that has already made a meaningful difference in the Western and London communities.

"Our first-ever 'Try Unified' Sports Day was meant to introduce more Western students and Special Olympics athletes to a sporting opportunity that promotes social inclusion," said Nandu. "This event was organized to help increase participation in our Unified Basketball Intramural program on campus."

For Western Sports & Recreation, programs like Unified Basketball reflect a broader commitment to making sport and recreation accessible, inclusive and welcoming to everyone. This aligns with Sports & Recreation's strategic plan: Game Plan 2023–2028, which emphasizes building communities of belonging and creating opportunities for all Mustangs to thrive.

"Sport and recreation have the power to bring people together in ways that extend well beyond physical activity," said Steve Barry, Director of Recreation & Active Well-being at Western. "Programs like Unified Sports are an important part of our commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces at Western where everyone feels valued and has an opportunity to participate. They bring our strategic plan to life by building meaningful connections, breaking down barriers and strengthening the sense of belonging that is so important to the Western experience."
 
What Is Unified Sports?

Unified Sports is a Special Olympics initiative that brings individuals with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same teams to train, compete and develop meaningful relationships.

The philosophy is simple: playing together creates opportunities for friendship, understanding and inclusion. While competition remains part of the experience, the focus extends beyond winning to ensure everyone can participate, contribute and feel a sense of belonging.



Western has been a leader in bringing this approach to university recreation. Its Unified Basketball program began with a one-day event in 2018 before becoming a regular intramural offering in 2019. Today, it is recognized as the longest-running Unified Basketball program in Canada.

Through a partnership with Special Olympics Ontario, Western students and Special Olympics athletes from the London community come together for weekly basketball sessions at the Western Student Recreation Centre (WSRC).

Unlike many traditional intramural leagues, Unified Basketball is free for Western students, welcomes all skill levels and emphasizes social connections alongside friendly competition.

"Unlike other intramural sports - which usually have a registration fee, Unified Intramurals are free for Western students," explained Nandu. "However, the main component that separates Unified from other sport and rec programs is that it creates an opportunity for two populations to bond through sport."

Building Friendships and Confidence

For Special Olympics athlete Michaela Brown, who is participating in her second season of Western's Unified program, the inaugural event was an opportunity to enjoy competition while connecting with new people.

"My favorite part of Try Unified Day was being part of a team and playing against other athletes and students," said Brown. "What made it special for me was meeting new people, especially Western students."

Brown says participating in Unified Basketball has helped her improve her skills and build confidence on the court. Just as importantly, it has created opportunities to learn alongside supportive teammates. "I've been involved with Unified program at Western this would be my second season it definitely helped with my basketball skills and not being afraid of getting close to the net," she said.

Her experience reflects what makes the Unified model special: participants are teammates who learn from one another, celebrate successes together and help create an environment where everyone feels welcome.

Nandu sees those connections developing each week. "Within our program, everyone is very supportive and encouraging of each other, whether a shot is made or missed. There are always high-fives going around, teaching each other the game in real-time and enjoying some friendly competition."

He also emphasizes that meaningful relationships take time to develop. "As most things - building relationships and breaking down barriers take time. At Unified, we do both things by playing basketball every week."

Growing Inclusion Through Campus Recreation

The inspiration for Try Unified Sports Day came from Nandu's experience attending a Disability and Sport Symposium in London, Ontario several years ago. The event brought organizations and community members together to explore opportunities in adapted sport. "I was inspired to host this event after having participated in a Disability and Sport Symposium in London a couple years ago," he said. "We were inspired to host something similar of our own within the Western community, aiming to introduce as many Western students and Special Olympics athletes to the power of Unified."



The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration. Western Campus Recreation staff, volunteers and Special Olympics Ontario helped bring the day together, while participating students contributed by fully engaging in the activities and connecting with athletes.

For Nandu, making sport accessible and inclusive is about supporting more than physical activity. It is also about creating spaces where participants can develop confidence, strengthen social skills and experience the benefits of community. "University students and people with intellectual disabilities have higher than average rates of social isolation and loneliness," he said. "Providing meaningful opportunities for sport and recreation goes a long way in supporting student health and wellness in addition to personal development and growth."

By introducing more students to Unified Sports, Western Campus Recreation hopes to continue growing a program that creates meaningful connections between the university and the broader London community.

The celebration of inclusive sport will continue on Saturday, October 31, when Special Olympics athletes take to the court for a special halftime scrimmage during the Western Mustangs Women's Basketball game. The showcase is part of PACK THE TRAC, an exciting home-opening weekend for Mustangs Basketball and Volleyball on October 30 and 31 at Thompson Recreation & Athletic Centre (TRAC). With both sports kicking off their home seasons, fans are encouraged to come out, fill the stands, get some free giveaways and cheer on the Mustangs while also celebrating the incredible athletes and spirit of inclusion that make Western's Unified program so special. Get your tickets now! Western students receive free admission to all regular season home games with valid Western ONECard.

Everyone Is Welcome

Although Try Unified Sports Day was a one-day event, the opportunity to get involved continues throughout the academic year.

Western's Unified Basketball intramurals take place weekly on Sundays at the Western Student Recreation Centre. The program welcomes Western students of all skill levels, including those who have never played basketball before.

"If you enjoy sports and making new friends, you should give Unified a try," said Nandu. "It's a positive, low-stakes environment where everyone is supportive whether you make or miss a shot."

For Brown, the invitation is just as straightforward. "It's a really good program for people who have disabilities and get to spend time with Western Students playing Basketball," she said. "Make new friends as well."

Whether participants are looking to try a new sport, connect with others or simply be part of a welcoming community, Western's Unified program demonstrates that some of the most meaningful victories happen beyond the scoreboard.

Interested in getting involved? Visit Western Campus Recreation for more information about Unified Basketball, or contact us at campusrec@uwo.ca.