Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North and Special Olympics Minnesota are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership to launch Unified Sports Camps in August at seven schools and YMCAs throughout the Twin Cities.
The Unified Sports Camps will offer a dynamic program of accessible sports and team-building activities to foster inclusivity, teamwork and mutual respect between young athletes with and without disabilities.
The camp will feature a variety of sports, including volleyball, flag football, basketball and soccer, led by certified coaches and supported by trained volunteers. Activities are designed to be fully inclusive, ensuring every participant can engage meaningfully. Beyond sports, the camp will include workshops on leadership, teamwork and accessibility awareness to inspire confidence and camaraderie.
The first four days of each weeklong camp will feature one to two sports, then Fridays are capped with a field trip.
“We’ve had a long-term partnership with Special Olympics Minnesota, but we’ve been really looking for ways to activate that relationship in a manner that would have a bigger impact,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “I just love being able to leverage the collective values of our two organizations to serve more young athletes and their families. And it’s a really cool time since the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be hosted in the Twin Cities next summer.”
“I am thrilled to partner with YMCA of the North for the first Unified summer camp for our Unified Champion Schools (UCS) students,” said Demaya Walton, the director of Unified Champion Schools for Special Olympics Minnesota. “This August, we at Special Olympics Minnesota hope to see UCS students take part in the upcoming Unified Sports Sampler. Our goal is to expand Unified programming to more out of school time activities within the community space. We encourage our UCS students and families to take part in this exciting inaugural initiative!”
Registration is now open, with scholarships available to ensure accessibility for all families. For more information or to register, visit Unified Sports Sampler Registration or contact us at sports.camp@ymcamn.org.
Join us in celebrating this exciting collaboration and empowering the next generation of athletes to play, learn and grow together.
WHAT: Special Olympics Minnesota and YMCA of the North Unified Sports Camps
WHO: Students entering grades K through 8 in the fall
WHERE: Hudson YMCA, White Bear Area YMCA, Andover YMCA, Silver Bell Learning Center Eagan, Richfield Middle School, Fridley Middle School, Wayzata Central Middle School
WHEN: August 4-8, August 11-15, August 18-22, August 25-29
*Camp at Silver Bell Learning Center Eagan will take place August 4-8, August 11-15
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 169 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.
About Special Olympics Minnesota
Since 1973, Special Olympics Minnesota has been creating a new world of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities by providing year-round sports competitions, inclusive healthcare programs, leadership training, and inclusive school programs. Special Olympics Minnesota envisions a Minnesota where every person, regardless of their ability, has every opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential. To learn more about Special Olympics Minnesota, visit https://specialolympicsminnesota.org/.