Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program engages elementary, middle, and high schools to create climates of inclusion, acceptance, and respect for all students with and without intellectual disabilities. Unified Champion Schools utilize the following three pillars to work towards building a generation that welcomes everyone through opportunities on and off the playing fields.
Inclusive Sports
In schools, inclusive sports is the Unified Sports component, where teams are created to include people of similar age and ability. This makes practice and competition more fun and fosters the goal of bringing people together through sport. Within a school setting, there are multiple opportunities for athletes to participate at no cost.
Inclusive Youth Leadership
Through collaborative school activities, students are encouraged to be agents of change. Socially inclusive schools are places where no students are excluded because of their degree or type of disability. Inclusive youth leaders pave the path for their fellow students through a variety of school-based activities.
Whole School Engagement
This important feature of creating socially inclusive school climate activities that cultivate a positive school environment. It promotes leadership across generations by including all students, teachers, staff, and administrators. Whole School Engagement is achieved with Unified Champion Schools through numerous initiatives.
Get Started
To get your school started on the path of becoming a Unified Champion School, please contact Jeff Smith at jeff@specialolympicsri.org.
WHAT: Fall Coaches’ Meeting
DATE: Thursday, August 15th
TIME: Middle Schools 5:00pm | High Schools 6:00pm
LOCATION: Bryant University – Chase MAC (Multipurpose Activities Center in Chace Center)
1150 Douglas Turnpike, Smithfield, RI 02917
