Special Abilities & Special Olympics

In inclusive cheer, athletes have two main pathways: competitive and non-competitive (sideline) cheer. 

Competitive inclusive cheer teams focus on training for structured routines and performances, participating in local, regional, national, and even international competitions. These teams offer athletes the excitement of competition, the chance to set performance goals, and the opportunity to showcase their skills to a larger audience. 

Non-competitive inclusive cheer, on the other hand, emphasizes spirit and support at live sporting events, with sideline cheer teams engaging crowds, rallying for school or community teams, and fostering an inclusive environment through a shared love of cheer. 

Both pathways celebrate the unique talents of each athlete, enabling participants to find their fit in an inclusive, supportive cheer community.

Options for joining an inclusive cheer team for competition are growing, especially with more organizations and competitions adopting inclusive divisions. Here are some key avenues:

1. Special Olympics Unified Sports: Offers Unified Cheerleading teams where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities cheer together. Special Olympics hosts competitions that allow inclusive cheer teams to perform and compete. Athletes train for one competition in a Season and have the opportunity to compete at third party events.
2. Move United Adaptive Cheer Programs: Move United is a national organization that partners with local adaptive sports programs to provide inclusive cheer opportunities for individuals with disabilities. While Move United doesn’t directly organize competitive cheer teams, it connects athletes with community-based adaptive cheer programs that may offer performances and exhibitions at local or regional events.
3. All-Star Cheer Gyms with Inclusive Programs: Some cheer gyms offer CheerAbilities programs, supported by the USASF. These adaptive cheer teams include athletes with a variety of abilities and can compete in regional and national cheer events.
4. School-Based Unified Cheer Teams: Many middle and high schools have adopted Unified Cheer programs under initiatives like Unified Sports. These teams perform at school events and sometimes participate in Unified competitions or showcases.
5. Local and Regional Cheer Competitions: Some major cheer organizations, like Varsity All Star and NCA, have divisions specifically for inclusive teams, allowing adaptive teams to compete and perform alongside traditional teams.
6. Recreational and Community Cheer Programs: Community centers, YMCAs, and other local organizations often have inclusive cheer programs with opportunities for performance and, sometimes, informal competition. These programs focus on inclusion and skill development rather than formal competitive structures.

Special Olympics Competitions: 

• Texas State Championship: Hosted at the NCA High School National Championship, January 2026. 
• Alabama State Championship: Held at ACE All Stars, annually, beginning in 2025. 
• ICU World School Championship: Held at the National High School Cheerleading Championship (UCA), February 2026. 

Inclusive sideline cheer options are widely available, especially through schools, community programs, and sports organizations that embrace Unified Sports and adaptive cheer teams. Here are the main options:

1. Special Olympics Sideline Cheer: In addition to competition teams, some Special Olympics programs offer sideline cheer teams that participate at Special Olympics sporting events, cheering on athletes in various sports. These teams are fully inclusive, with members cheering at events within the Special Olympics community.
2. Move United Adaptive Sideline Cheer: Move United partners with community-based adaptive sports programs to offer inclusive cheer options. While Move United itself doesn’t organize cheer teams, they connect athletes to local adaptive sports organizations that may have sideline cheer programs.
3. School-Based Unified Sideline Cheer: Many middle and high schools have developed Unified cheer programs where athletes with and without disabilities cheer together at school sports events. These teams support school spirit at games and pep rallies, creating an inclusive environment for students of all abilities.
4. All-Star Cheer Gyms with CheerAbilities Sideline Teams: Some All-Star gyms offer adaptive teams that focus on sideline cheer rather than competitive routines. These teams perform at local events and may also support community sports teams, providing athletes with disabilities a chance to participate in cheer without a competitive focus.
5. Community-Based and Recreational Programs: Community centers, YMCAs, and recreation departments often host inclusive or adaptive cheer programs focused on sideline cheering. These teams typically perform at local sports events and focus on building confidence, teamwork, and community spirit.
6. Collegiate Inclusive Cheer Programs: Some colleges have adopted inclusive sideline cheer programs to support school sports and encourage diversity within their cheer teams. This is a growing area, particularly as more universities focus on accessibility and inclusivity in athletics.

Inclusive cheerleading provides athletes of all abilities the chance to participate fully, whether through the thrill of competition or the team spirit of sideline cheer. By offering both competitive and non-competitive options, inclusive cheer empowers each athlete to find their unique role, build confidence, and create lasting friendships. 

This sport champions diversity, belonging, and the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Inclusive cheer not only elevates individuals but also strengthens communities, showing that the power of teamwork and positive energy has no boundaries.