Unified Track and Field recommended as emerging high school sport in Missouri

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) In an overwhelming vote by member schools, Missouri appears to be heading toward making unified track and field a sanctioned sport.

Member schools voted 301-66 in favor of designating unified track and field as a Missouri State High School Activities Association emerging sport.

Unified track and field is a sport where students with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together on one team.

“This recommendation is a powerful message of belonging,” said Larry Linthacum, President and CEO of Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO). “We’re closer than ever to seeing our athletes recognized in high school sports, and we’re excited for what this means moving forward.”

If approved, this designation would represent a significant milestone in recognizing the talents and achievements of students with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to participate as interscholastic athletes within their school communities.

Track and Field as events such as unified 100-meter dash, unified 400-meter dash, unified 4X100 relay, unified long jump, and unified shot put. 

The MSHSAA Board of Directors is expected to vote on the proposal at an upcoming meeting in June.