We firmly believe that inclusive education is a fundamental right for every student. Our Inclusive Schools program is designed to breaking down barriers and promoting social inclusion through three core components: inclusive sports, youth leadership, and whole-school engagement.
This partnership has already transformed numerous schools across the state, creating vibrant communities where every student thrives. We believe that by embracing differences and promoting understanding, we can build a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
Coach Mike Trainor's heroic, hamstring-tearing touchdown sealed gold for New Bedford's Special Olympics team at Gillette, capping a tough season with heart, teamwork, and an unforgettable win.
Stretching in cold weather preps tight muscles, boosts flexibility, and prevents injuries. Seven Hills teams at Flag Football used dynamic stretches and group routines, winning big—proof of stretching's mental and physical benefits!
Switching from 5v5 to 7v7 soccer boosts skill development, teamwork, and fitness for Special Olympics MA athletes. The expanded format enhances game dynamics and social bonds!
Two organizations that work alongside Special Olympics Massachusetts to promote Unified Sports in schools.
Adults foster youth leadership by facilitating age-appropriate leadership roles and providing learning experiences that explore what it means to be a leader.
A program that activates youth with and without intellectual disabilities to come together as student leaders, athletes, and agents for inclusion within their middle school communities.
A program that motivates all students to create environments full of respect, dignity, and advocacy for students with intellectual disabilities.
Colleges and universities offer college Clubs and Unified Sports on campuses, that connect college students and individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports to build friendships.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) works alongside Special Olympics Massachusetts to promote Unified Sports through the Unified Champion Schools Program. They are actively spreading the Unified Champion Schools mission throughout their 376 member schools. Assistant Directors of the MIAA, Richard Riley and James Peter state, “our goal is to encourage and assist any MIAA schools interested in a Unified Sports program.” Learn more about the MIAA!
The Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (MASC) has chosen to partner with Special Olympics Massachusetts to join us in advocating for and supporting the Unified Champion Schools Program. Learn more about the MASC!
In elementary schools, adults foster youth leadership by facilitating age-appropriate leadership roles and providing learning experiences that explore what it means to be a leader. For example, students might be mentors for younger student athletes, set up sports skill stations, and discuss books that promote leadership qualities. These experiences lay a strong foundation for middle and high school years when students take more initiative in planning and implementing Unified opportunities. Ultimately, students become advocates for communities that promote respect and dignity for everyone.
In order for your school to be an official Unified Champion School, you must demonstrate the following three components. Once your school has these components, you can apply to become a Unified Champion School.
Special Olympics Unified Sports is a component of the Unified Champion Schools program that engages students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same sports team. Unified Sports provides valuable social inclusion opportunities for all teammates to build friendships on and off the playing field. Through modeling genuine inclusion for the entire school community, all teammates are challenged to improve their sports skills and fitness. In the process, young adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities increase their positive attitudes and perceptions toward their peers and establish friendships.
For other great examples of what Unified sports looks like at the Middle School level, please check out the Middle Level Playbook.
In order for your school to be an official Unified Champion School, you must demonstrate the following 3 components. Once your school has these components, you can apply to become a Unified Champion School.
Fans in the Stands
MASC Plunge
School-Wide R-word Pledge
Respect/Pep Rally
In order for your school to be an official Unified Champion School, you must demonstrate the following three components. Once your school has these components, you can apply to become a Unified Champion School.
College and university campuses across the country have a long history with Special Olympics, from UCLA, to Notre Dame, to Harvard. College campuses were some of the first places to let Special Olympics host games and training. Today, the role of colleges and universities has grown to College Clubs and Unified Sports offered on campuses, that connect college students and individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports to build friendships.
In order for your school to be an official Unified Champion School, you must demonstrate the following 3 components. Once your school has these components, you can apply to become a Unified Champion School.
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