Unified Champion Schools®
What is a Unified Champion School?
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change. With sports as the foundation, the three-component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom, and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities, and functions.
This is accomplished by implementing inclusive sports, inclusive youth leadership opportunities, and whole-school engagement.
Inclusion Weekly: What is a Special Olympics Unified Champion School?
The Three Pillars
Unified Champion Schools Resources
Get Engaged
Cool School Challenge - Polar Plunge
Test your mettle big-time with an ice-cold plunge in support of 21,000 amazing Special Olympics athletes!
Don't freeze there. The Cool School Challenge is a collaborative fundraising opportunity, meaning that when you participate in the Cool School Challenge you support your school AND community! Check out this toolkit to get your school started!
Don't freeze there. The Cool School Challenge is a collaborative fundraising opportunity, meaning that when you participate in the Cool School Challenge you support your school AND community! Check out this toolkit to get your school started!
Unified Fitness Challenge
Unified Fitness Challenge – Students with and without intellectual disabilities in grades 3rd – 12th participate in an inclusive 8-week fitness program. Free student equipment kits allow the program to be implemented virtually or in-person at school.
Stay In Touch
Get information on everything Unified Champion Schools
Supporters
A Special Thanks To...
- Office of Special Education at the U.S. Department of Education
- Altria Companies Employee Community Fund
- The Emily S. & Coleman A. Hunter Trust
- S. and M. Golden Helping Hands Foundation
- The John Randolph Foundation
- Macy's Gives
- The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation
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Rite Aid Healthy Futures
https://www.riteaid.com/about-us/the-rite-aid-foundation -
BHE GT&S
https://www.bhegts.com/ -
Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
https://www.dominionenergy.com/our-company/customers-and-community/charitable-foundation -
Hampton Roads Community Foundation
https://hamptonroadscf.org/ -
Inspire Brands Foundation / Arby's
https://www.foundation.inspirebrands.com -
Southeast Virginia Community Foundation
sevacf.org -
Southern Gas Company
https://www.southerncompanygas.com/who-we-are/community-engagement.html