The Sparkle Effect shines brightly at OHIO
OU Sparkles, an Ohio University cheer team connected to the national Sparkle Effect program, brings students and Athens community members with disabilities together through a non-competitive, relationship-focused environment. Rejecting traditional support models and emphasizing equal participation, the organization encourages genuine friendships, campus collaboration and personal growth.
Emma Stevenson BS '27 | March 3, 2026
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OU Sparkles is not a typical organization at OHIO. It is part of a national initiative called “The Sparkle Effect,” which brings high school and college students together with community members who have disabilities to participate in sports. At OHIO, the program takes the form of a cheer team that connects OHIO students with individuals from the Athens community. Rather than focusing on competition and a buddy system, the team emphasizes relationships and belonging.
Caroline Pinson, a junior studying neuropsychology and the president of OU Sparkles, said she originally joined the team because she wanted to be involved in something meaningful. The summer before her freshman year, Pinson was scrolling through Bobcat Connect looking for an organization that would help her better transition into college. She came across Sparkles.
“What stood out to me was how they defined inclusion,” Pinson stated. “Instead of separating people or treating inclusion like a formality, Sparkles genuinely treats people with disabilities the same as everyone else."
...Everyone on our team needs support of some kind, and we are all able to provide support to each other so that we can be our best selves.
In the past few years, the team went from around a dozen members to almost double that. When the team grew, so did the connections and friendships; whenever a new member joins, they are always included.
“As president, I also try to make sure we don’t form cliques, everyone should feel part of the same team,” Pinson mentioned. “That culture of inclusion is contagious, and I think it’ll keep growing even after I graduate.”
OU Sparkles is built on the idea that everyone should be treated equally. The team focuses on making each member feel included. Rather than pairing someone with a disability with someone without one--an approach referred to as the "buddy system," members interact as teammates first, creating a space for genuine friendships.
"We are of the mindset that everyone on our team needs support of some kind and we are all able to provide support to each other so that we can be our best selves," said Associate Professor Jen Newton, the team's advisor.
The team creates a safe space for everyone. Since they do not focus on competitions and more on inclusion, it creates a stress reliever for everyone involved.
“Even on days when I’m exhausted from school or work, as soon as I show up to Sparkles, my whole mood shifts," Pinson said.
OU Sparkles also collaborates with several campus groups, including OU Vibrations, CHAARG, and the Inclusion Project. At the end of each season, members celebrate together with activities like building gingerbread houses or playing outdoor games with music. By strengthening connections across campus, the team has also gained recognition from the broader Athens community.
As OU Sparkles continues to grow, the team represents a model of inclusion that extends beyond campus and into everyday life. The experiences members gain often shape their futures as well.
“Sparkles helped me decide to become a school psychologist,” said Pinson.
