See you in Orlando!
The #UnifiedGeneration is heading to the 2022 USA Games!
June 5-12, 2022, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean and 125,000 spectators during one of the country’s most cherished sporting events. We all have reasons to shine. For Special Olympics athletes, one of those reasons is the love of sport. Special Olympics athletes display remarkable abilities not only on the field, but in all areas of life. By celebrating their dedication and perseverance, we become champions for a more inclusive world. A world where we all Shine As One.
What is the Youth Leadership Experience?
104 youth leaders with and without intellectual disabilities from 52 state Special Olympics Programs are coming to Orlando, Florida to take their leadership development to the next level. Over the course of USA Games, these leaders will take part in 4 rotations to give them an in-depth look at what it takes to be part of a Special Olympics event and learn about all the pieces that make the Special Olympics movement so amazing.
Volunteer Shadow
Youth Leadership Experience participants will be matched with adult “hosts” in a variety of career fields to learn about job responsibilities and how to execute a major event like USA Games.
Storytelling
Participants will create on-the-ground social media content and gain new perspectives on what the 2022 USA Games means to attendees, athletes and supporters.
Unified Sports Experience
YLE participants will take on a volunteer role in supporting recreational sport opportunities at the 2022 USA Games FanZone.
Young Athletes Festival
YLE participants will support Young Athletes activities for ages 2-7 years old at various locations around Orlando for community engagement.
The #UnifiedGeneration Is Taking On The Competition!
Interscholastic Unified teams from Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® and Special Olympics College Clubs across the country are coming to Orlando to show their skills and sportsmanship!
Yukon High School, Special Olympics Oklahoma
Members of the Yukon HS Unified soccer team are headed to USA Games! Yukon is the first Unified Champion School to receive National Banner status in the state! This team has proven that they are ready for the big stage having won gold at their state Games. With support from the Oklahoma City Energy FC and the Yukon community, they are ready for the competition in Orlando!
Download our new App!
The Generation Unified App is a way to bring the meaningfully inclusive activities that happen in and out of your Unified Champion School to your phone! Connect with friends from other schools and learn more about what other leaders are doing around the country! Scan this QR code on your phone to download or click the link below.
Thank You to our Supporters!
Major events like the Youth Leadership Experience at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida would not be possible without these supporters of the #UnifiedGeneration.
U.S. Special Olympics Programs receive resources to implement the Unified Champion Schools program through generous funding from the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education. This includes the 2022 USA Games Youth Leadership Experience
KPMG is a proud Unified Generation and Special Olympics Premiere Partner for the 2022 Youth Leadership Experience. Additionally, KPMG supports Special Olympics through project-based grants of $500 awarded to Youth Leaders with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) to promote inclusion in their school or community
Hasbro is proud to be a supporting partner of the Youth Leadership Experience, engaging youth with and without intellectual disabilities in inclusive leadership development and storytelling opportunities at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. As a longtime partner of Special Olympics, Hasbro supports the global expansion of Unified Champion Schools and sponsors U.S. banner presentations celebrating inclusive schools in action. Together, we’re making the world a better place for all children, fans and families.