DALLAS (June 22, 2021) – Move United, the national leader in community adaptive sports, has recognized USA Cheer as an Inclusion Champion. As an Inclusion Champion, USA Cheer has demonstrated the organization’s support for an inclusive conversation in youth sports, particularly in relation to youth with disabilities.
Move United uses the power of sport to push what’s possible for people with disabilities, confronting ignorance, fueling conversation, and inciting action that leads us to a world where everyone’s included. Sports make us more—more determined, more powerful, more ourselves. Sports have the power to change the world, pushing people further and bringing people closer.
“USA Cheer is proud to partner with Move United as we collectively work to create a better, more inclusive world through sport,” said USA Cheer Executive Director Lauri Harris. “USA Cheer’s Adaptive Abilities and Special Olympics teams are filled with incredible athletes who demonstrate every day the power of sport to bring people together, and we’re committed to expanding our adaptive programming in the months and years ahead.”
As in Inclusion Champion, USA Cheer has also endorsed Move United’s Inclusive Playbook, a new tool to educate youth on disability awareness and sports. This first of its kind tool is the foundational building block to ensure youth learn the value of an equal opportunity to participate in sports and recreation in their schools and communities.
Move United’s Inclusive Playbook is geared toward elementary school students and will help bridge the gap between individuals with and without disabilities at a young age by inciting conversations, dialogue and activities. The Playbook is designed for school-aged-children in grades 3-6 and includes an Inclusive Playmat to engage school-aged children in grades K-2.
“As we work to build a world where every person, regardless of ability, is included, youth education resources such as the Inclusive Playbook are needed to help challenge common misconceptions and the narrative around disability,” said Move United Executive Director Glenn Merry. “Thank you to our Inclusion Champions, representing a broad intersection of youth, sports and educational organizations for their support in championing the values of inclusion for youth with disabilities.”
The Inclusive Playbook was officially unveiled at the 2021 Move United Education Conference on May 13th. For more information on the Inclusive Playbook, visit http://www.moveunitedsport.org/inclusive-playbook.
ABOUT USA CHEER
The USA Federation for Sport Cheering is a not-for profit 501(c)(3) organization that was established in 2007 to serve as the National Governing Body for Sport Cheering in the United States and is recognized by the International Cheer Union. USA Cheer exists to serve the cheer community, including club cheering (all star), youth recreational cheer, traditional school-based cheer programs, and the growing sport of STUNT.
USA Cheer has three primary objectives: promote safety and safety education for cheer in the United States; help grow and develop interest and participation in cheer throughout the United States for all disciplines and ability levels of cheer; and represent the United States of America in international cheer competitions.
ABOUT MOVE UNITED
Move United is the national leader in community adaptive sports, empowering 100,000 youth and adults with disabilities each year to live to their fullest potential. Move United’s 200 member organizations in 43 states are united by a single mission: ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, experiences the life-changing power of sport and is fully included in their community. Join our MOVEment at www.moveunitedsport.org.