Unified Sports Teams Build Connections Between Lander’s Differently Abled Youth

Prior to COVID-19, Lander, Wyoming, had a strong Unified Special Olympics team (a team made up of young people both with and without disabilities), providing an important connections between kids with different abilities. The program fell apart a few years ago, leaving a gap in care and community for Lander’s youth with special needs between five and 14. One local parent, whose child had aged out of the program, saw the need to bring the team back. Working with the school district, she came up with a plan to relaunch unified teams in snowshoeing, swimming, bocce ball, softball, bowling, and Esports (allowing Unified Team athletes to compete with others across the country and giving Lander athletes a peek at the wider world right from home.) The just need a little help to get started. LOR’s funding help support the purchase of equipment and uniforms needed to launch the Unified teams. Learn more in the video about this locally led project that’s helping to build connections between Lander youth with and without disabilities.

This project was fiscally sponsored by the Lander Community Foundation.