Unified Partnerships
Starting a Game of "Disc It!"
Unified Sports & Unified Fitness
Unified Sports (FIT 138) and Unified Fitness (FIT 180) are two courses offered by The Department of Movement Science. These courses are based on the Special Olympics model, which blends students with intellectual disabilities with Grand Valley State University students. It is an excellent learning opportunity for all students. The course are particularly beneficial for GVSU students preparing for careers in teaching and related profession.
Dr. Colleen Lewis—Associate Dean for Academic Support and Professor of Movement Science—initially partnered with a young adult transition program for her Methods of Teaching Adapted Physical Education course. This partnership laid the foundation for a two-week trial of unified sports in FIT 139: Team Sports. It was an immediate success! This launched the FIT 138: Unified Sports. Two years later Unified Fitness made its debut as a FIT course.
In addition to these FIT courses, we team with the GVSU registered student organization called Unified Sports Club, as well as the Special Olympics of Michigan to open doors of inclusion and belonging through sport. See below for more info on the student club.
Get involved in the unified sports movement. You won't regret it. As we like to say, "Unified rocks!"
Community Partners Meet Up
Young Adult Services Community Partners
We host two different partners on campus for our Unified Sports and Unified Fitness courses. One is the Region Three Transition Program (R3TP) based in Grandville Public Schools.
The second program is the Young Adult Services (YAS) which is an Ottawa County program.
Both programs provide educational and occupational experiences for young adults with intellectual disabilities. These students attend our GVSU unified FIT courses each fall and winter semester.
Tandem Kayaking at Millennium Park
Funding Partners
The vision for Unified Sports was launched through a generous teaching innovation grant from the GVSU Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center. This initial investment provided essential equipment to ensure all students can participate and succeed, while also funding recreational trips and social events.
Our efforts are further sustained by the Robert Nelson Foundation. Their ongoing support allows us to continue building classes and hosting activities that champion the Special Olympics-inspired unified model.
Recreation Center Membership Cards
Athletic & Recreation Facilities Partner
The students from R3TP and YAS, our community partners, receive memberships from the GVSU Athletic and Recreation Facilities office. Their cards give them access to the Recreation Center where our classes are held and allow students to independently engage in physical activity outside of their scheduled FIT classes. Membership also encourages students to recognize and practice their responsibility as members of a shared community space. More than just access, this partnership offers a meaningful sense of belonging—symbolized through a membership card that helps make GVSU their campus, too.
Unified Football
Unified Sports Club - The Student Organization
The Unified Sports Club works in natural alliance with our Unified Sports and Fitness courses to build a more inclusive campus. This student-run organization brings together GVSU students and the greater Grand Rapids community—including individuals with and without intellectual disabilities—to play sports together.
Quick Club Facts:
- When: Weekly sessions, typically held on Monday evenings during the fall and winter semesters.
- Who: Open to everyone in the surrounding communities and the GVSU campus.
- Cost: There is no membership fee to join or participate.
- Format: Student-led sessions that last approximately one hour.
QR code with contacts and more information coming soon!
The Unified Sports Club Executive Board:
Kaylee Cattel, President
Alayna Shores, Vice President
Landon Birchmeier, Secretary
Stephen BouJoulian, Treasurer
Unified Basketball
Accessibility & Unified
Our unified courses create an inclusive environment for students of all skill levels and abilities. Since the Movement Science Department strives to make every FIT course accessible, please reach out if you have questions or need more information.
You can contact Karol Tiemersma, the FIT Course Coordinator, at [email protected] or 616-331-8890.