BUnified: Advocating for inclusion in sports and beyond

Sometimes in sports, it’s more than just a game. 

This phrase accurately describes Bradley’s newest organization, BUnified, an organization founded with one clear goal: to bring inclusiveness to sports at Bradley for those with disabilities. 

“We think an inclusive environment is beneficial to everyone involved,” Caleb Hollis, junior political science major and BUnified President, said. “We founded BUnified to foster relationships between local Special Olympic athletes and Bradley students.” 

Hollis and his brother Noah had the idea of starting an organization dedicated to building relationships with local Special Olympics athletes. Both had worked with the Special Olympics and wanted to bring this opportunity to students on campus. 

“[I coach] Special Olympics already and wanted to provide the athletes I coach with more experiences to compete and interact with as many people as possible,” Noah Hollis, senior kinesiology and health science major and BUnified founder, said. “I have had a love of sports for a long time along with a passion for inclusion that I find essential.” 

So far, BUnified has held a flag football event at which local Special Olympic athletes competed against other athletes and began to build relationships with Bradley students. 

Students participating in the event learned more about the athletes BUnified aims to serve and about organizations around Peoria that bring inclusion in sports. 

“The flag football event was a really fun opportunity to have some fun and meet some of the competitive athletes we were playing against,” Corrine Schneiderman, a sophomore organizational communication major and BUnified member, said. “I think it is such a good way to spread awareness and break the stigma.” 

BUnified members hope to continue establishing their presence on campus and contributing to the broader community. 

“Bocce ball will be happening October 4th here on campus, and then we will be having a bags tournament in late November,” C. Hollis said. “On top of that, we will also be having a few fundraising events for local Special Olympics organizations.” 

BUnified aims to increase student involvement not just within the organization, but with local Special Olympics organizations as a whole. 

Regardless of how interested students are in sports, BUnified encourages anyone to get involved, given the impact it can have on those with special needs and disabilities. 

“Be open to new experiences that can change one’s life,” N. Hollis said. “There really are only positive impacts that can come from being involved if you approach events and organization with an open mind and heart.”