The final game of the season for Unified Sports League Birmingham is this Sunday (March 1), 2-4 p.m. Show up, show your support, and go home happy!
If you’ve caught a basketball game here at the Levite JCC on Sundays this winter, it might have looked a little different from what you’re used to. There’s no scoreboard, no loud buzzers, and no pressure — just pure joy.
It’s all part of the mission behind Unified Sports League Birmingham, a program brought to town by the family of Dan and Nancy Leibovitz and daughter Kaiya, 19, and sons Noah, 17, and Nash, 13. In its first year, the league has brought together eight teams of neurodivergent and neurotypical children for games where competition takes a back seat to connection.
The idea was born just last winter, when Noah was invited by a friend to play Unified basketball in Philadelphia. Dan recalls that Noah was deeply impacted and really enjoyed playing in the league, and then Nash started playing, too.
“My brother and I were making lots of neurodivergent friends, and we started to think this was something we could try to replicate in the Birmingham area,” Noah says.
Today, Unified Sports offers free participation to all players — a true community endeavor fueled by compassion, inclusivity, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to experience the joy of a popular game.
With its side-by-side courts and height-adjustable hoops — plus Unified being able to use the space at no cost — The J has turned out to be an ideal venue. Dan also notes that the venerable gym’s intimate vibe has helped create a real sense of camaraderie for the families and fans, with new friendships forming throughout the season.
“Unified Sports is profoundly impacting lives, and as a community center we couldn’t ask for more,” says Brooke Bowles, CEO at The J — which also hosts inclusive arts, tai chi, and summer camp, among other programs. “We’re proud to partner with Unified, and I anticipate this is a relationship that will only grow over time.”
Comfortable and encouraging
Unified Sports uses a form of competition pioneered by the Special Olympics to intentionally blend athletes of differing abilities on the same teams. The Birmingham league adapts the format to create a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere: scores aren’t kept, whistles are softened, and game buzzers stay silent.
Neurotypical athletes play a vital role by modeling teamwork and empathy, and making unselfish plays on the court. “One of the greatest gestures to see is when a neurodivergent player recognizes that a teammate has not yet scored during a game and passes the ball,” Nancy says.
“Our goal is to make our neurodivergent players the stars of our league,” explains Dan. It’s a distinct departure for kids who generally are unable to participate in school sports. “We hear from our parents that the players look forward to our games all week long and never stop talking about the league,” he adds.
“But there’s nothing better than to see the expression on a player’s face when the ball goes in the hoop,” Noah declares. “It’s a moment of complete joy for the players, teammates, families, and the entire gym.”
Support Unified
The Leibovitz family likes to muse about Unified Sports League Birmingham participants one day having uniforms printed with players’ names. “We want our players to feel like they’re playing in the NBA!” All donations to Unified Sports League Birmingham go directly to the operating budget.
See more photos at Unified Sports
