Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools are recognized nationally for creating inclusive school environments that promote collaboration, respect and engagement among students and staff.
Schools receiving National Banner recognition have demonstrated their commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence developed by a panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community.
The program focuses on three primary areas: Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership and Whole-School Engagement.
Through Unified Sports, students with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together as teammates. Inclusive Youth Leadership encourages students to take an active role in promoting acceptance, while Whole-School Engagement activities help build a school culture where everyone feels welcome and respected.
To receive national banner recognition, schools must also demonstrate that their inclusion programs are sustainable or have a plan to continue the activities into the future.
The recognition is not permanent. Schools are required to reapply every four years to demonstrate they continue meeting all 10 standards of excellence.
The next National Recognition Program application cycle is scheduled to open in Spring 2027. Applications will first be reviewed by state Special Olympics program staff before moving to a national Certifying Body made up of educational leaders.
More information about the program is available through Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools.
Source: Special Olympics International.
