As someone who’s been involved with Special Olympics for most of my life, I’m always excited to see how this incredible organization continues to evolve and expand its impact. In my latest Special Education Inner Circlepodcast episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Haylie, who leads Special Olympics’ education-based work globally, and Hannah, a Special Olympics athlete and leader. Our conversation shed light on the amazing work being done through Unified Champion Schools and how it’s changing lives and communities.

My Personal Connection to Special Olympics

Growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome, Special Olympics has been a huge part of my life. I spent countless hours after school coaching and participating in Special Olympics events. It’s not just about sports – it’s about building connections, fostering understanding, and creating a more inclusive world.

What is Special Olympics?

For those who may not be familiar, Special Olympics is so much more than just a sports organization. Founded 55 years ago by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, it uses sport as a catalyst for change. Haylie explained that Eunice was inspired by her sister Rosemary, who had an intellectual disability. This personal connection drove the Kennedy family to advocate for and improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

Unified Champion Schools: A Solution for Inclusion Struggles

One of the most exciting initiatives we discussed is the Unified Champion Schools program. This school-based initiative goes beyond traditional Special Olympics programming to create lasting change in school communities. Here’s how it works:

• Unified Sports: The foundation of the program, bringing students with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team. As Haylie put it, “The quickest way to build friendship, understanding, and break down barriers is to play together.”

• Youth Leadership: Once sports are established, the program focuses on elevating student voices, both with and without disabilities, to take on leadership roles within their schools.

• Whole School Engagement: The final piece involves creating opportunities for the entire student body to participate in fostering an inclusive environment.

Hannah’s Special Olympics Journey

Hannah’s story is a perfect example of how Special Olympics can impact a person’s life. She started participating in sports, but she didn’t stop there – she blossomed into leadership roles, particularly in public speaking. Hannah shared how Special Olympics helped her make friends and develop confidence.

One of the most encouraging parts of Hannah’s story is how she’s taken her skills beyond Special Olympics. She now works as a service ambassador for United Airlines, helping direct people to their flights. She’s also traveled internationally as a Special Olympics athlete, competing in world games.

Overcoming Parental Concerns

I asked Hannah what she would say to parents who might be hesitant about letting their child participate in Special Olympics. Her response was enthusiastic: “Go for it! There’s a place for everyone in Special Olympics.” She also touched on the “inclusion revolution” that’s at the heart of the organization’s mission.

How to Get Involved with Unified Champion Schools

For parents and teachers wondering how to bring these programs to their schools, Haylie offered some practical advice:

• Special Olympics has chapters in every state and in 177 countries worldwide.

• In the U.S., they’re already in 25% of school districts.

• To get started, simply Google “Special Olympics” plus your state name (e.g., “Special Olympics Arizona”).

• Reach out to your local chapter or talk to school administrators about bringing the program to your school.

The Impact of Inclusion

As we wrapped up our conversation, Haylie emphasized a crucial point: physical inclusion alone isn’t enough. To build a truly inclusive society, we need social inclusion. That means teaching young people how to live together, play together, and respect each other’s differences.

This is what Special Olympics and Unified Champion Schools are all about – creating a generation of young people who grow up understanding and valuing diversity in all its forms. As Haylie beautifully put it, “We are building the inclusive generation.”

Takeaways for Parents and Educators

• Seek out opportunities for inclusive experiences: Look for programs like Unified Champion Schools in your area, or be the one to start them.

• Focus on social inclusion: Remember that putting kids in the same classroom isn’t enough. We need to actively foster connections and understanding.

• Embrace the power of play: Sports and shared activities are incredible tools for breaking down barriers and building friendships.

• Encourage leadership: Provide opportunities for all students, regardless of ability, to take on leadership roles.

• Think beyond the school walls: The skills and attitudes developed through these programs extend far beyond the classroom, shaping a more inclusive society.

As someone who’s experienced the power of Special Olympics firsthand, I can’t stress enough how life-changing these programs can be – not just for individuals with intellectual disabilities, but for entire communities. The friendships I’ve made through Special Olympics are some of the most genuine and lasting relationships in my life.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or community member looking to make a real difference, I encourage you to explore how you can get involved with Special Olympics and Unified Champion Schools. It’s not just about creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities – it’s about building a more understanding, accepting, and inclusive world for all of us.

Remember, as we always say in our Master IEP Coach® Community, inclusion isn’t just a place – it’s an experience. And through programs like Unified Champion Schools, we have the power to create those experiences every day. Let’s work together to build a world where everyone feels valued, included, and empowered to reach their full potential.