LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska will begin offering high school sports championships for disabled students competing with partners.

The Nebraska School Activities Association will add the new championships next year.

The games, which are referred to as unified sports, allow students with disabilities to compete alongside students without disabilities.

The first championships offered will be in bowling. Then competitions in track and field, swimming and golf will follow in the 2017-2018 school year.

Dan Masters, who will oversee the championships, says unified sports programs promote inclusion and help reduce bullying.