Unified Champion Schools

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 of Unified Champion Schools (UCS) 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.

Check out our Unified Champion Schools One Page Snapshot.

What makes a Unified Champion School?

There are three components for a school to become a Unified Champion School.

Interscholastic Unified Sports

A fully-inclusive co-ed high school program which facilitates social inclusion by bringing together a proportional number of students with and without intellectual disabilities on teams for training and competition.

Learn more

Youth Leadership and Advocacy

A Unified Club with the goal of: Giving students with intellectual disabilities a voice in their school; Helping students develop leadership skills; Conducting youth-led activities promoting acceptance, respect & community throughout school.

Learn more

Whole School Engagement

Students come together to raise awareness, as well as show support for their IUS team. Popular initiatives include: Spread the Word Inclusion, Fans in the Stands, Poster Contests, and Unified Sports Festivals.

Learn more

Empower Your School.

Change the World.

More than 370 schools throughout 54 counties Pennsylvania have become Unified Champion Schools! We're so proud of their commitment to INCLUSION!

Unified Schools

of participants said involvement in Unified Sports made them healthier

counties

of school staff credit UCS with reducing bullying, teasing, and offensive language

Want to Play Unified in your community?

Special Olympics Pennsylvania encourages all students who participate in Unified Sports at their high school to join us in the community. These sports are offered during three seasons (fall, winter & spring). Check out our Unified Community and Special Olympics College Clubs programs below.

Community Unified Sports

Unified Sports® combines approximately equal numbers of Special Olympics Athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (called Partners) on sports teams for training and competition. Continue your Unified journey at the community level!

Sports sign-ups

Graduation Guide

Special Olympics College

Special Olympics College function as an official club on campus and connects college students and individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport to build friendships and help lead the social justice movement of Special Olympics.

Special Olympics College Club programs are made up of three core elements: Unified Sports, Youth Leadership, and opportunities for Full Campus Engagement. Learn more here!

List of SO Colleges coming soon!

Email us for more info!

Interested in Joining?

Click on the button below to fill out a school interest form!

UCS Interest Form

Partners

Thank you to our partners for supporting our UCS.