Unified Teams Program
A collaborative initiative born out of a partnership between Special Olympics of Mississippi and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta
Latest Victory: MVSU Unit Triumphs at Camp McCain!
The spirit of our Unified Teams program was on full display on November 8, 2025, when our Mississippi Valley State University Unit competed at a Special Olympics event held at Camp McCain in Grenada, MS.
Under the dedicated leadership of Unit Director Judy Ables, who has been a steadfast leader for our kids from Yazoo City to MVSU, our members showcased incredible dedication. With only three weeks to prepare, our dedicated athletes rose to the challenge and achieved amazing results:
Our Boys' Team earned 1st Place!
Our Girls' Team earned 2nd Place!
This fantastic victory showcases the incredible talent of our members and the power of our inclusive Unified Teams program. At the Boys & Girls Clubs, we provide life-changing opportunities for all youth to shine, building both champions and a stronger community.
Spotlight on Our Grenada Club: Building Champions Every Day
While we celebrate major victories, the heart of our program beats in the weekly activities at our Clubs. Our Grenada Club is a perfect example! In November, their Unified Sports program kept members active and engaged through:
Sports: Kickball, Basketball, and Cheer
Participants: A vibrant mix of 10 athletes and 10 general education partners learning and playing together.
Unified Club: A core group of 8 members (6 athletes & 2 partners) focused on team-building and planning a "Bigs & Littles" mentoring program.
This is what "Competition and Unity" looks like on the ground—creating inclusive opportunities for all youth to shine, every single week.
Key Features of the Unified Teams Program:
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Inclusive Participation:
Special Olympic Athletes seamlessly integrate into our Clubs as full-fledged members, promoting an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
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Competition and Unity:
Unified Teams compete not only within our Clubs but also represent BGCMSD in Special Olympics competitions throughout the country, showcasing the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.
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Notable Achievements:
In 2022, our Club Cheer and Basketball teams proudly represented the Mississippi Delta at the Special Olympics USA games in Orlando. The Unified Team from our Lexington Club achieved remarkable success, earning a Silver Medal on a national stage.
Leadership and Advocacy:
CEO David Dallas of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta and President/CEO Monica Daniels of Special Olympics Mississippi have become advocates for this unique inclusion opportunity.
They have shared their insights and experiences about the Unified Teams Program in speaking engagements across the country, encouraging other organizations to embrace similar partnerships.
Learn More:
For a deeper understanding of the impact of our Unified Teams Program, we invite you to watch the videos below featuring CEO Dallas and CEO Monica Daniel. These videos provide firsthand accounts of the transformative power of inclusion and collaboration in sports.
Our Journey Continues to Nationals!
We are thrilled to announce that our team has qualified to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota!
This is a life-changing opportunity, but we need your help to get them there.
Become a Champion for Our Athletes!
Your sponsorship directly funds travel, lodging, and equipment for our competing athletes. Join us in supporting their journey to the national stage.
For more information on sponsorship, please contact:
David Dallas, CEO
ddallas@bgcmsdelta.org
+1 (662) 571-3685
Let's send our champions to Minneapolis together!