BECOME A UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOL
Building Inclusive School Communities Together
BECOME A UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOL
Building Inclusive School Communities Together!
A SCHOOL CULTURE BUILT ON BELONGING
A SCHOOL CULTURE BUILT ON BELONGING
Unified Champion Schools (UCS) brings students together through inclusive sports, youth leadership, and schoolwide engagement that transforms how young people learn and lead. When your school embraces this model, classrooms become more welcoming, students build empathy and confidence, and leadership opportunities expand for everyone. It is a place where students of all abilities feel seen and supported, where differences are valued, and where school pride grows stronger. The result is a more connected campus where inclusion is not a lesson taught, but a culture lived every day.
THREE COMPONENTS OF UCS
Any school can create meaningful opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities by bringing together the three key components of UCS that drive inclusion and create more positive school cultures.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED SPORTS®
Unified Sports in schools is a fully inclusive sports or fitness program that brings together students with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and those without (partners) to play, train, or compete.
INCLUSIVE YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Empowers students with and without disabilities to lead advocacy, awareness, and inclusive activities year-round.
WHOLE SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT
Whole school engagement incorporates awareness
and education activities which promote inclusion, reach the entire school, and
align with the Unified Champion Schools mission.
Inclusion Grows Through Every Step of the Journey
From early childhood through school and into the broader community, our programs are connected to support athletes at every step.
HOW TO BECOME A
UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOL
APPLY
Submit your application to become a Unified Champion School with Special Olympics Southern California by locating and contacting your local SOSC Schools staff member in the contact section below.
REPORT BACK
Report back to Special Olympics Southern California with the activities your school has completed.
CELEBRATE
After completion of all your activities, you will receive your Unified Champion School recognition!
Contact Us!
Get started by contacting the SOSC schools team member from your community.
Region 1 (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties)
Region 2 (Los Angeles, Kern, Inyo Counties)
Region 3 (Riverside, San Bernardino Counties)
Region 4 (Orange County)
Region 5 (San Diego, Imperial Counties)
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