INCLUSIVE FAMILY
Being a Good Sport
Making Sports a Safe Space for Kids
BY HEATHER M. ROSS
22 Washington FAMILY
APRIL 2023
FILIPPOBACCI/E+/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
S competitive,” says Oni, who noted the cou-
ple founded the nonprofit in 2020, which
was “a really interesting year for a lot of
reasons. It was the height of the pandemic,
a lot of uprising in the country, the Black
Lives Matter movement, the Black Trans
Lives movement.”
“When you grow up queer, you know
you’re different. You may not know what
to call it or how to describe it, but it played
a role in my feeling like I couldn’t bond or
build a sense of community because what if
they found out?” Fair adds.

Unmatched Athlete organizes weekend
pickup games for youth to play, have fun
and build community. Oni and Fair even-
tually plan to feature leagues, tournaments
and after-school fitness along with social
outings like field trips.

Fair, Unmatched Athlete’s vice pres-
ident, says that as their organization
continues to grow so does the need for it.

“When we look at what’s going on
in the country, at specific laws that
have been passed specifically in rela-
tion to trans youth, it’s more important
now than ever to let parents know that
there is a safe place for their child in
sports,” he says.

Currently, the American Civil Liberties
Union is tracking 399 anti-LGBTQ bills in
the United States. Many of these bills are
applied to a pastime kids have long shared
and enjoyed together: sports.

The effects of intentional inclusion are
already being felt and recognized accord-
ing to Oni and Fair, who say their children
are able to be around other children like
them for the first time.

“It’s really powerful. It shows something
that’s been lacking. I truly believe that we
Intentional Safe Spaces
That’s why Olanrele Oni founded Unmatched will change sports, because it’s about time
Athlete, a Maryland-based non-profit that we do it,” Fair says.

works to encourage LGBTQ+ youth and allies
ages 5 to 18 to participate in sports and fit- Good for Mental Health
ness activities, with his husband, Justin Fair. Sports are an opportunity to build a family
“I’ve always loved sports. It’s always and social network, which many young peo-
been something dear to me — I’m ple in the LGBTQ community feel excluded
ports are a great way for kids to
stay active, develop their social
circle and gain confidence. And
that can be especially important for kids
and teens in minority groups who might
not always meet peers who share their
identities during school.

Programs such as the Special Olym-
pics are unique in that they allow kids who
have developmental — and in some cases
physical — disabilities to socialize together.

“It takes kids with different abilities,
kids like Lili, a long time to learn what
society perceives as normal,” says Diany
McLuckie, whose 7-year-old daughter has
Down syndrome.

McLuckie is head coach of the Spe-
cial Olympics Young Athletes Program
in Frederick. Since her daughter became
involved in athletic programs at 14 months
old, McLuckie has seen gymnastics change
Lili’s life.

Sports benefited Lili’s social skills,
listening skills, patience, play and learn-
ing skills. They gave her an environment
where she was able to show her outgoing
and friendly personality, even though she
communicates differently.

“As a community, I think we need to be
more patient with all kids — understand
that they’re kids.”
Having a peer group is important for all
kids because it helps them develop rele-
vant problem-solving strategies, improves
social and emotional skills, provides com-
panionship and reduces stress. When kids
are not forming peer groups, sometimes
they need someone to intentionally create
an inclusive space.