All Unified Champion Schools incorporate the following three components in a way that creates meaningful inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities in their school community. A school may choose at least one of these categories; however, can do activities in each category if desired. A Unified Champion School will focus on a minimum of one activity from each of the components.

 

INCLUSIVE UNIFIED SPORTS

A fully inclusive sports or fitness program that combines students with and without intellectual disabilities. Examples include such things as Unified P.E., Unified Intramural Sports, Unified Interscholastic Sports or Unified Recreational Sports (i.e. Unified Basketball, Unified Bocce, Unified Soccer, etc.)

                               

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Students with and without intellectual disabilities work to lead awareness, Unified Sports, advocacy, inclusion and other Special Olympics activities throughout the school year. Examples include such things as Unified Clubs, inclusive student councils, or similar types of inclusive groups.

                    

WHOLE SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

Host Awareness and education activities that promote inclusion and reach the majority of the school population. Examples include such things as Spread the Word to End the Word (R-Word) Campaigns, Pep Rallies or “Fans in the Stands” for Unified Sports teams, Respect Campaigns or student fundraising.