Unified Sports
Avondale Unified: Inclusion Through the Pow
er of Sports
At Avondale, Unified Sports are breaking down barriers and building connections—on and off the field. Through Unified basketball, soccer, and whole-school activities, students with and without learning differences come together as teammates, learning and growing through shared experiences.
Unified Sports, a collaboration between Special Olympics Michigan and the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), promotes social inclusion through sports training and competition. By playing and training side by side, students form friendships, challenge assumptions, and foster understanding—proving that inclusion and teamwork go hand in hand.
Unified Sports Seasons
- Fall: Unified Soccer - 2025 Season Concluded
- Winter: Unified Basketball - 2025-26 Season Now Starting
- Spring: Unified Pickleball - More information coming in early 2026
Avondale Unified Basketball Information
Avondale Unified Sports Schedule
Unified News & Updates
Avondale Hosts Unified Tip Off Night December 18, 2025
Avondale Unified hosted the first ever "Tip-Off Night" December 17 as a full start to the basketball season. The event featured 5 schools from around the metro Detroit area coming together to play before heading into the holiday break. There were a total of 4 games played and close over 65 athletes taking part in the event.
Avondale Named Special Olympics Unified Champion School® September 29, 2025
Avondale School District is proud to announce that Avondale Unified Sports has been recognized by the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® National Recognition Program as a Unified Champion School—one of only seven public schools in Michigan to receive this honor in 2025, and just two schools in Oakland County.
Avondale Unified Basketball Closes Out Season at LCA March 20, 2024
The Avondale Unified Basketball team closed out their season this year on the Pistons' floor, playing a day game at LCA last week!
Upcoming Events
December
- Dec. 9: Unified Basketball @ Madison Heights Lamphere
- Dec. 17: Tip Off Night at Avondale (Multiple games)
January
- Jan. 8: Unified Basketball @ Ferndale
- Jan. 12: Unified Basketball vs. Rochester United
- Jan. 20: Unified Basketball @ Waterford Mott
- Jan.29: Unified Basketball @ Berkley
February
- Feb. 3: Unified Basketball vs. Birmingham Groves
- Feb 6: Unified Basketball vs. Bloomfield Hills (National Banner Award Day, Game During School)
- Feb. 10: Unified Basketball vs. Clarkston
- Feb. 24: Unified Basketball @ Troy Athens
- Feb. 25: Avondale Polar Plunge at Avondale High School
March
- March 6: OAA Unified Basketball Game at Groves
- March 13: Unified Basketball Season Closer at Little Caesars Arena (LCA)
Polar Plunge
Avondale Polar Plunge: Freezin' for a Reason
Avondale Unified Sports invites students, staff, families, and community members to join us for the annual Avondale Polar Plunge—a fun (and freezing!) way to make a difference. The Polar Plunge is part of a statewide series of events supporting Special Olympics Michigan, helping create a world that welcomes and celebrates every person, regardless of ability.
As the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Michigan, every dollar raised by our brave “Plungers” helps provide year-round training and programs for more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state. Learn more at plungemi.org.
Ready to take the plunge? Register for Avondale's 2026 Polar Plunge here.
Unified Spirit Bus
All Aboard the Spirit Bus!
Avondale High School is excited to launch the Spirit Bus, a new initiative in partnership with Unified Sports and the Avondale LINKS Club. The Spirit Bus will transport students to Unified away games and major events, including the season finale at Little Caesars Arena (LCA), making it easier for everyone to show their support and cheer on their peers. This new opportunity ensures that all students can come together, celebrate teamwork, and experience the excitement of Avondale Unified sports—on the road and in the stands!