Unified sports provide a support system for the entire family, as well as the athlete. Parents can meet others like them and develop friendships, get answers and develop a support system.

Unified sports provide a support system for the entire family, as well as the athlete. Parents can meet others like them and develop friendships, get answers and develop a support system.

“That’s where you learn. The parents are the experts,” says Noah Leask, board member of the Special Olympics South Carolina and soccer coach for the unified sports program offered through the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department.

His daughter Logan Leask, now 12, has been a peer "buddy" in unified 
sports since she was 7. She's participated in soccer and swimming. She assists with redirecting and keeping athletes focused. She also shows them skills, 
such as how to kick in the pool. She gives them a lot of encouragement and 
has learned leadership skills.

“It is not just for them. It's for me,” she says.

For more information about becoming a peer mentor, e-mail daviss@ci.charleston.sc.us or mtpleasanttr@gmail.com or call 769-8284.