NAYS recognized by Move United as Inclusion Champion

6/4/2021

Move United, the national leader in community adaptive sports, is pleased to recognize the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) as an Inclusion Champion.

As an Inclusion Champion, NAYS has demonstrated their organization’s support for an inclusive conversation in youth sports, particularly in relationship to youth with disabilities. NAYS has endorsed Move United’s Inclusive Playbook, a new tool to educate youth on disability awareness and sports. This first of its kind tool is the foundational building block to ensure youth learn the value of an equal opportunity to participate in sports and recreation in their schools and communities.

Move United’s Inclusive Playbook is geared toward elementary school students and will help bridge the gap between individuals with and without disabilities at a young age by inciting conversations, dialogue and activities. The Playbook is designed for school aged children in grades 3-6, and includes an Inclusive Playmat to engage school-aged children in grades K-2.

“As we work to build a world where every person, regardless of ability, is included, youth education resources such as the Inclusive Playbook are needed to help challenge common misconceptions and the narrative around disability,” said Move United Executive Director Glenn Merry. “Thank you to our Inclusion Champions, representing a broad intersection of youth, sports and educational organizations for their support in championing the values of inclusion for youth with disabilities.”

To help support the implementation of this material into schools and communities, Move United also created a corresponding instructional guide with lesson plans, activity worksheets, and additional supplemental resources geared for youth. 

Reviewed by over 50 adaptive sports professionals and educators across the United States, the Inclusive Playbook was beta tested with children across various age groups to make sure it lives up to its name.

“NAYS envisions a future where all youth sports coaches, parents, officials and administrators are educated on their roles and responsibilities in youth sports, and all children have access to safe and positive sports experiences,” said NAYS Executive Director John Engh. “Affiliating with Move United and becoming a champion of inclusion supports our vision in every way.”

Move United is the national leader in community adaptive sports, empowering 100,000 youth and adults with disabilities each year to live to their fullest potential. Move United’s 200 member organizations in 43 states are united by a single mission: ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, experiences the life-changing power of sport and is fully included in their community.

The Inclusive Playbook was officially unveiled at the 2021 Move United Education Conference on May 13th. For more information on the Inclusive Playbook, visit http://www.moveunitedsport.org/inclusive-playbook.

Join the MOVEment at www.moveunitedsport.org.

Inclusion Movement Disability Participation Life Values

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