We provide Unified Sports opportunities for athletes with and without intellectual disabilities ages 8 and up.
Our Team
The Salt Lake Stars started with two athletes and two Unified Partners participating in a scaled-down, pandemic-era Special Olympics Utah bowling tournament in 2021. The team became official in 2022 with the launch of Special Olympics DanceSport. It was founded to meet the need for more community Special Olympics teams in the Salt Lake Valley and to offer more inclusive sports opportunities for athletes with and without intellectual disabilities.
The Stars relies on volunteer coaches and the support of our community to participate in Special Olympics Utah’s sports seasons. We offer sports year-round based on interest and coach capacity.
Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners participate at no cost to themselves or their families.
Our Name
Our team name was inspired by the words of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics. At the 1987 International Summer Special Olympics opening ceremonies she said, “You are the stars and the world is watching you. By your presence, you send a message to every village, every city, every nation. A message of hope. A message of victory.” Her message encapsulates the vision and goals of our team.
Our Logo
Our logo’s colors reflect the inclusive mission of Special Olympics. The multi-colored palette was selected to represent energy, warmth, positivity, and optimism. The circle signifies unity. We believe that Unified Sports promotes social inclusion. Our Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners are agents of change advocating for a better world. Together they are leading the #unifiedgeneration to build inclusive communities for everyone.
