Unified Champion Schools
Our goal is to make South Dakota Schools more Inclusive
What is Unified Champion Schools?
Unified Champion Schools brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together through education and sports-related initiatives. This unified generation will lead the charge to reimagine and create communities in which all people are included and accepted. UCS is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through planned and implemented activities affecting system-wide change that provides a quick path to friendship and understanding.
"To have the greatest impact the change process needs to start with young people."
Who can become a Unified Champion School?
Any school can become a Unified Champion School! If you are ready to take the leap we’ll work with you to make it happen. Complete the interest form below:
A Special Olympics South Dakota staff member will reach out to you after you complete the form.
If you would like to talk to an SOSD staff member about your school joining and potential grant funding available, please contact Julie Briggs at jbriggs@sosd.org or 605-941-0049.
1. Inclusive Sports & Fitness
A. Provides students opportunities to participate in sports activities alongside one another, which is the most conductive way for breaking down stereotypes – Unified Sports, unified physical education, intramurals, and inclusive Young Athletes.
B. Interested in getting sports and fitness started? Fill out the form here.
2. Leadership & Advocacy
A. Provides students opportunities to take on leadership roles in promoting UCS activities in the school and the community – Unified Club, Unified Student Council, and Young Athletes.
3. Whole School Engagement
A. Provides opportunities for all students in the school to participate in UCS through school-wide activities – Spread the World Inclusion Campaign, Fans in the Stands, Kindness pledges, and Polar Plunges. Find next year’s Polar Plunge here!
UCS Newsletters
Want to stay up to date with all things UCS? Sign up for our quarterly newsletter here!
