Zoie’s Guide to Becoming Unified

Zoie is an exceptional youth leader from Fife High School in Washington. Students like her are stepping up across the ...

Unified Talks: Building a Strong and Inclusive Team

For this edition of Unified Talks, we’re taking you to Detroit, Michigan! U.S. Youth Ambassadors Darius and Isaiah ...

This is Bunker Hill Elementary School

When Special Olympics DC suggested that Bunker Hill Elementary start a Unified Champion Schools®  program, teacher Lisa Haynes responded immediately: “...

This is South View Middle School

South View Middle School is a Special Olympics Unified Champion School® in Edina, Minnesota. When Unified programs first arrived at ...

Back to School

Are you ready to get back to it? This year “back to school” means so many things. Back to friends, ...

Unified Talks: Making Connections with Cristela Alonzo

Unified Talks is back! We’re starting the new school year in style. In our latest episode, U.S. Youth ...

Say Hello to the Class of 2022 U.S. Youth Ambssadors

North, south, east, and west…our 2022-24 class of Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors are spreading inclusion all across ...

UCS By the Numbers

Are you a teacher? School administrator? Coach? No matter your role in a school community, we know that meeting all ...

Unified Classroom By the Numbers

Do we have any teachers in the house?! The Special Olympics Unified Classroom is a FREE online resource full of ...

32 Years of the ADA

In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. As a result, there was progress made for the rights ...

Global Day of Inclusion

Today we’re celebrating the founding of Special Olympics with the Global Day of Inclusion! Over the past 54 years, Special ...

Celebrating Eunice Kennedy Shriver

In July 2022, we celebrated what would have been the 101st birthday of our founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Mrs. Shriver’s ...

Reflections on the Past School Year

Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come this school year! Our U.S. Youth Ambassadors share what skills they’...

A Graduation Message from Comedian Cristela Alonzo

YOU DID IT! Congratulations to the Class of 2022 for all of your success and achievements. Here’s a message from ...

Unified Talks: The Power of Group Reflection

Welcome to the final episode of Unified Talks of the school year! As we look back, Cary High School students ...

Inside Inclusion: Reflections (2)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. With the school year coming to ...

Unified Talks: Reflecting on Leadership

This episode of Unified Talks combines two of our favorite Unified Classroom themes: reflections and leadership. We’re joined by ...

2021 SONA UCS Outstanding Coach: Allison Wonch

Special Olympics is made up of fantastic coaches, but today we’re celebrating the one-and-only Coach Allison Wonch from Special ...

We Appreciate Our Mentors

We’re not crying, you’re crying. In their latest vlog, Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors share how much ...

Unified Talks: 4 Tips for Living in the Moment

With the school year coming to an end, it’s easy to feel nervous about what’s to come. In ...

Inside Inclusion: Appreciation (2)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. Inside Inclusion is back with an ...

We Appreciate Our Unified Partners!

2-4-6-8! Who do we appreciate? Our Unified partners! Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors teach, support and learn ...

Unified Talks: Appreciation with Charlie and Evan

We appreciate you for opening this email and checking in about our latest episode of Unified Talks! Showing appreciation is ...

Unified Talks: Leadership Has 4 Core Values

In this episode of Unified Talks, we continue the conversation about leadership. U.S. Youth Ambassadors Isaiah and Darius are ...

Inside Inclusion: Leadership (2)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. Inside Inclusion has arrived at David ...

Unified Talks: Learning to Lead with Isaiah and Darius

Unified Talks is back for the month of April! This month’s theme is Leadership. In this episode, we’re ...

Champions of Change

In honor of this year’s Spread the Word: Inclusion theme, our U.S. Youth Ambassadors are letting us know ...

Show Your Power! Part 3

In this series of vlogs, our U.S. Youth Ambassadors are discussing all things empowerment. How do they help others ...

Show Your Power! Part 2

In this series of vlogs, our U.S. Youth Ambassadors are discussing all things empowerment. Who makes them feel empowered? ...

Show Your Power! Part 1

In this series of vlogs, our U.S. Youth Ambassadors are discussing all things empowerment. What does empowerment mean to ...

Unified Talks: History of Spread the Word

Spread the Word month continues! U.S. Youth Ambassadors Addison and Daniel are back for another episode of Unified Talks. ...

Inside Inclusion: Spread the Word (2)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. Spread the Word month continues with ...

Unified Talks: Spread the Word

Are you ready to spread the message of inclusion? March is Spread the Word month! To kick things off, we’...

Unified Talks: Advocating for Others

Let’s expand our understanding of advocating with a new episode of Unified Talks! Myron and Chloe, U.S. Youth ...

Inside Inclusion: Empowerment (2)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. Do you feel empowered to speak ...

Unified Talks: Self-Advocating

In our latest episode of Unified Talks, Fife High School (WA) students Kiara and Kaleb want to empower you to ...

Welcoming Wellness

For this month’s vlog, we asked the Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors about the healthy habits they’re ...

Unified Talks: Creating Healthy Attitudes

This episode of Unified Talks is all about healthy and unhealthy attitudes. Zach and Logan from Kentridge High School in ...

Inside Inclusion: Wellness (2)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. This month’s episode is all ...

Unified Talks: Regulating our Emotions

Unified Talks is back for 2022! This month, we’re exploring the theme of Wellness. Minh and Olivia from Kentridge High ...

Looking Back on 2021

Whether it’s in the classroom or on the field, we know the Unified Generation is going places. As the ...

We Are Family

This holiday season, join us in reflecting on the importance of family in all of its forms. In this month’...

Unforgettable Moments in Unified Sports

There’s nothing like an unforgettable moment in sports. In their latest vlog, hear the U.S. Youth Ambassadors talk ...

Unified Talks: Connections in a Virtual World

Unified Talks is back and so are Katrina and Aidan, connecting with you from Minnetonka High School! This episode is ...

Inside Inclusion: Connections (2)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. Inside Inclusion is back in Minnesota! ...

Unified Talks: Connections with Katrina and Aidan

We’re back in Minnesota for this episode of Unified Talks! Minnetonka High School seniors Katrina and Aidan are here ...

Unified Talks: Working Together

Unified Talks is back at Buffalo High School! In this episode, youth leaders Lisa and Olivia continue our conversation about ...

Inside Inclusion: Teamwork (2)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. Inside Inclusion has arrived in Minnesota! ...

Unified Talks: Teamwork

Unified Talks has arrived in Minnesota! Buffalo High School students Aubrey and Elise have teamed up to talk about teamwork. ...

Congrats to the 2021 ESPN Top 5

See who received this great honor!

What It Means to Belong

U.S. Youth Ambassadors talk about Belonging!

Unified Talks: Helping Others Belong

We’re back at Warren High School with another episode of Unified Talks! Seniors Victoria and Daniel talk about helping ...

Inside Inclusion: Belonging (1)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. We’re back at Warren High ...

Unified Talks: Belonging at Warren High School

Unified Talks is back at Warren High School! Sammy and Kate, U.S. Youth Ambassadors from Special Olympics Southern California, ...

All About Me

Learn about the U.S. Youth Ambassadors.

Bullying Prevention Month 2021

October is Bullying Prevention Month. Every day, Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® works to end bullying and discrimination against people ...

Unified Talks: Identity at Warren High School

In this episode of Unified Talks, we’ve journeyed to Warren High School in Southern California! Warren is a Special ...

Inside Inclusion: Identity (1)

Students from Southern California talk about Identity!

Unified Talks: Identity with Nickelodeon

Our friends at Nickelodeon team up with U.S. Youth Ambassadors Citlali and Troy in this episode of Unified Talks! ...

Want to Become a National Banner Unified Champion School?

We’re so excited to announce the Class of 2021 National Banner Unified Champion Schools. These schools have demonstrated a commitment ...

By the Numbers: Unified Champion Schools®

This back-to-school season, Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is ready to embark on another year of creating inclusion in schools ...

Celebrate International Day of Friendship

What does it mean to be a friend? On Friday, July 30, we celebrated International Friendship Day. Celebrate your friends every ...

Special Olympics Kansas is Excited for Unified Bowling

Learn about the importance of Unified Sports in schools.

Drawing with Nickelodeon!

“This is the best day of my life – I’ll never forget it.“ Recently, Nickelodeon Storyboard Artist, Andy, and Special ...

What does IDD mean?

What does IDD mean? Jordan and Steven, U.S. Youth Ambassadors from Special Olympics Georgia, break down the facts! ⠀

Happy Birthday, Eunice Kennedy Shriver!

Today we celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of our founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Mrs. Shriver’s vision ...

Summer Fun with the U.S. Youth Ambassadors

Through sport and other fun ways, Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors are staying connected this summer. Hear how!

All About Families with the U.S. Youth Ambassadors

Family > Everything The #UnifiedGeneration is all about the importance of family. Not just the family you’re born into ...

Unified Talks: Reflections with Evie and Joy

U.S. Youth Ambassadors Evie and Joy have been spreading inclusion since elementary school. In this episode of Unified Talks, ...

Inside Inclusion: Reflections (1)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. This month on Inside Inclusion, we ...

National Best Friend Day

Friendships are important to the Unified Generation. National Best Friends Day is the perfect time to tell your best friend ...

Unified Talks: Reflections with Will

Will is a former U.S. Youth Ambassador from Virginia. Over the years, he has had time to look back ...

Favorite Fitness Activities with the U.S. Youth Ambassadors

Check out some of the favorite ways our Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors stay fit! Whether it is running ...

Unified Talks: Creating an Attitude of Gratitude with Steven and Jordan

In this episode of Unified Talks, Steven and Jordan, U.S. Youth Ambassadors from Georgia, show you different ways you ...

Inside Inclusion: Appreciation (1)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. In this month’s edition, U....

Unified Talks: Appreciation with Elyssa and Amanda

Elyssa and Amanda, U.S. Youth Ambassadors from Southern California host this Unified Talks. The theme of this episode is ...

Teacher Appreciation Day

Every first Tuesday of May, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day. To educators everywhere: It’s been a tough year, but ...

Mini-Unified Talk: Unified Leadership

Meet Mackenzie and John from Special Olympics Colorado! They are the first Unified Co-Chairs of any Special Olympics Program Board ...

Jennifer LaCapra: 2020 SONA Outstanding Coach

There are over 147,000 volunteer coaches across the SONA Region. One of these coaches is Jennifer LaCapra from Special Olympics Connecticut. ...

Unified Talks: Leadership with Courtney and Ella

L.E.A.D. with Courtney and Ella from Special Olympics New York!

Jack Nagle: 2020 SONA Outstanding Coach

There are over 147,000 volunteer coaches across the SONA Region. One of these coaches is Jack Nagle from Special Olympics North ...

Inside Inclusion: Leadership (1)

Troy and Citlali chat with student-athletes from across the country about leadership!

Unified Talks: Learn to Lead with Nickelodeon!

Nickelodeon joins us for a special episode!

Favorite Special Olympics Unified Sports® Memories

What's your favorite Unified Sports memory?

Unified Talks: Kyle and Jazlyn Stay Connected

The theme of this year’s Spread the Word campaign: CONNECTIONS. The last year has been a powerful reminder of ...

Inside Inclusion: Spread the Word (1)

  Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. This month is the Spread ...

International Women’s Day 2021

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate women in the inclusion movement. These strong women lead, inspire, and dream. Watch ...

Unified Talks: Spread the Word with Natalie and Jordan

In this week’s episode of Unified Talks, Natalie and Jordan, U.S. Youth Ambassadors from Utah, talk about how ...

Healthy Snack Ideas from the U.S. Youth Ambassadors

Looking for a fun and healthy snack to make this weekend? The Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors have you ...

Unified Talks: Empowering Others

What do Loretta Claiborne, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Eddie Yarbrough, and Britney Bautista have in common? They empower others! In this episode ...

Inside Inclusion: Empowerment (1)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly series where members of #UnifiedGeneration explore an important topic. This month is the empowerment edition ...

Unified Talks: Empowerment with Katherine

In the latest episode of Unified Talks, Katherine, a U.S. Youth Ambassador from Kansas, talks about the power behind ...

How Unified Track Brought Sam and Parker Together

Meet Sam and Parker from Special Olympics Kentucky. Together, the pair have competed over the last 6 years. As a result, ...

Our U.S. Youth Ambassadors Are Ready For 2021!

There’s a lot to look forward to in 2021! Let’s hear from our U.S. Youth Ambassadors about what ...

Unified Talks: Self-Care Strategies with Jackson

The latest episode of Unified Talks features Jackson, a U.S. Youth Ambassador from Texas. Jackson explores different strategies for ...

Inside Inclusion: Wellness (1)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly roundtable series that features members of the #UnifiedGeneration coming together to explore an important topic. ...

Unified Talk: Wellness with Sam and Max

Our latest episode of Unified Talks features Sam and Max, U.S. Youth Ambassadors from Michigan. During this episode, the ...

Looking Forward to 2021!

This year, we’ve been apart. But we’ve adapted and we’re still Unified. Together, let’s make 2021 the ...

What Does Justice Mean To You?

Justice is a core value of the Unified Generation.

Unified Talk: Lexi and Rachelle on the Importance of Connections

In this episode of Unified Talks, Lexi and Rachelle, U.S. Youth Ambassadors (AZ). Watch as the two explore different ...

Jamaal Charles on Inclusion and Diversity

Jamaal Charles was in the third grade when he discovered that he had a learning disability. When he was in ...

Inside Inclusion: Connections (1)

Inside Inclusion is a monthly roundtable series. The series features members of the #UnifiedGeneration who come together to explore an ...

Unified Talk: Connections with Citlali and Troy

This episode of Unified Talks features Citlali and Troy, U.S. Youth Ambassadors from Northern California. The pair talks about ...

Learn the Story of 321 Coffee

It all began at a Unified flag football game at NC State University. The 321 Coffee team shared a dream of ...

Unified Talks: The Anton Team On Being A Good Teammate

Sisters Elise and Sophia Anton, both Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors from Colorado, talk about what means to be a good teammate.

Inside Inclusion: Teamwork (1)

Sophie and Joey from Nebraska talk to members of the NCAA DIII SAAC about teamwork!

Who Is Your Inclusion Hero?

Is there someone in your life who motivates you to be more inclusive? This month, we asked our U.S. ...

Unified Talk: Tajha Talks Teamwork

Tajha shares with us why being a part of a team is important & the skills it gives us.

Unified Talk: Britney Explains What It Means To Be An Upstander

In this episode, Britney talks about belonging but in a different way.

Generation Unified 2020: Meaningful Inclusion in a Virtual Classroom

Generation Unified 2020 is a live virtual kick-off event. This event provides tutorials and activities. Plus, a look at the special ...

Unified Talk: Tajha Talks Belonging

Learn what it means to feel a sense of belonging with Tajha!

Find Your Sense of Belonging with Unified Champion Schools

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Growing up, Daina Shilts did not have a Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools experience. ...

Say Hello to the U.S. Youth Ambassadors

30 young leaders make up the Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors. These are leaders with and without intellectual disabilities. Their ...

World Teachers’ Day

We celebrate teachers for many reasons. A teacher can inspire, support, and make a difference. Because of this teachers impact ...

Unified Beginning: Hendrickson High School

Hendrickson High School in Texas is a 2019 ESPN Top 5 Special Olympics Unified Champion School. There is a lot to achieve ...

Unified Beginnings: Copper King Elementary School

A lot went in to bringing Unified Champion Schools programming to Copper King Elementary School. It is because of a ...

Unified Beginnings: Sayreville School District

See how Sayreville became a Unified Champion School district.

Unified Beginnings: Zoie

Learn how Zoie started the #InclusionRevolution at her school.

Discover Your Moment

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is supported by the U.S. Department of Education. Because of this program, students with ...

Happy Birthday, Loretta Claiborne!

Every year on August 14, we celebrate Loretta Claiborne’s birthday. Loretta is the Chief Inspiration Officer of Special Olympics. She ...

#WorldPhotographyDay

Kate’s photography has taken her on unforgettable journeys. For World Photography Day on August 19, 2020, Kate gave us some of ...

#InternationalFriendshipDay

Lasting friendships are at the core of the Unified Generation. That is why on July 30, 2020, we celebrate International Friendship Day. ...

Eddie Yarbrough is a Champion Ambassador

Eddie Yarbrough is a Defensive End for the Minnesota Vikings. He is also a Special Olympics Champion Ambassador. Eddie was ...

Making the Case for Inclusion: CDC Report

There are different ways to bring inclusive sports into schools. One of these ways is using resources from Unified Physical ...

Special Olympics Celebrates 52 Years

The first Special Olympics was in 1968, it was the start of a movement. Special Olympics grew to a global organization ...

Celebrating Mrs. Shriver

On July 10, we celebrated Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s birthday. Mrs. Shriver is the founder of the Special Olympics movement. Her ...

Happy Graduation from the #UnifiedGeneration

As the school year comes to an end, hear from our seniors.

#Graduation2020

The Unified Generation got to celebrate #Graduation2020 with Facebook and Instagram!

Teacher Appreciation Day 2020

On May 5, 2020, we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day. There are thousands of teachers at the forefront of the Special Olympics movement. ...

ESPN Top 5 Class of 2019

Take a look back at the ESPN Top 5 Unified Champion Schools from 2019-2020.

#UnifiedGeneration

Meet our incredible youth leaders. These young leaders with and without intellectual disabilities come together to spread inclusion! They are ...

National Siblings Day

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® celebrates siblings. We celebrate these siblings because they continue to power our movement. They do ...

International Women’s Day 2020

Celebrate International Women's Day with the Unified Generation!

Megan and Patrick’s Moment

Watch Patrick and Megan’s Moment and learn about their shared inspiration: their sister Jenni.

Inclusion Weekly: National Banner Presentation

Welcome to the final episode of “Inclusion Weekly”. In this episode, we rejoin the members of the Colorado State University ...

Tanner’s Moment

Tanner gained a positive outlook on school and life after joining Unified Sports.

Inclusion Weekly: College Clubs

Special Olympics College Clubs are a great way to make college more inclusive.

Rashaan’s Moment

After moving around during childhood, Rashaan found his passion for basketball. But it wasn’t until college where he found ...

Inclusion Weekly: Inclusive Workplace

Sydney hosts this week’s “Inclusion Weekly” episode. Watch as she explains her transition from high school to getting a ...

Inclusion Weekly: Unified Physical Education

Meet Donzel, U.S. Youth Ambassador from Illinois. Donzel shares the benefits of Unified Physical Education. Unified Physical Education is ...

Inclusion Weekly: Unified Sports

Meet Sydney, U.S. Youth Ambassador (MA). In this week’s episode, Sydney interviews students at her former high school. ...

Jenni’s Moment

Jenni’s younger brother Jason has Down syndrome. Growing up, Jason was one of the first students with Down syndrome ...

Inclusion Weekly: Inclusive Youth Leadership

In this episode, we check back in with Tajha. She explains what Inclusive Youth Leadership means. This is when students ...

Inclusion Weekly: Whole School Engagement

Students from Pontiac High School, Illinois, host this week’s “Inclusion Weekly”. During this video we learn about Whole School ...

Inclusion Weekly: What is UCS?

Tajha, U.S. Youth Ambassador from Florida, hosts this week’s “Inclusion Weekly”. The purpose of this video is to ...

Catherine and Claude’s Moment

Catherine and Claude Dayas-Tokoto emigrated from Cameroon to the United States. They did this in the hope of providing a ...

Deran’s Moment

When Deran was younger, he had a childhood friend named Jenny. When Jenny passed away, Deran felt shocked at how ...

Noah’s Moment

Growing up Noah and had an estranged relationship with his brother Sam who has an intellectual disability. The brotherly bond ...

Ponaganset Senior Projects

At Ponaganset High School, there is a tradition for seniors. Each senior presents on a topic that has significant meaning ...

Tajha’s Moment

Tajha Ilerant is from Immokalee, Florida. After losing both of her parents at a young age, she let out her ...

Be The Change

Britney and Sidney are from Special Olympics Hawaii. They attended the Youth Leadership Experience at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games ...

Meet #33 – Cody

There are many great things about Cody. First, Cody is an awesome soccer player and artist. Plus he is a ...

Meet #22 – Sydney

Sydney is one of the Captains of the Clovis North soccer team. Joining the team gave Sydney a sense of ...

Meet #25 – Sean

Sean always played sports growing up. But, he didn’t find his community until he joined the Clovis North Broncos. ...

Clovis Unified

This is the story of the Clovis North High School Unified Interscholastic Soccer team. Interscholastic teams play in Unified Champion ...

Ponaganset HS: A Case Study

It takes a lot of work to be a Special Olympics National banner Unified Champion School. To do this, a ...

Mead HS: A Case Study

Mead High School is a Unified Champion School in Longmont, Colorado. The school has grown exponentially over the decade since ...

Daina’s Powerful Story

Daina Shilts was bullied, teased and excluded when she was in school. Through Special Olympics, she found her love of ...

Live Unified: Inclusive Youth Leadership

There are 3 components that make a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. One of them is Inclusive Youth Leadership. An example ...

Alamo Heights HS: A Case Study

Alamo Heights High School is in San Antonio, Texas. This school is a Unified Champion School. Alamo Heights High School ...

Eddie Yarbrough: From Unified Champion Schools to the NFL

Eddie Yarbrough is a Defensive End for the Minnesota Vikings. Before, he played for the Buffalo Bills. Before his professional ...

Play Unified: Unified Sports & Unified PE

There are 3 components of a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. An example of one is Special Olympics Unified Sports®. This ...

The Revolution is Inclusion

As spoken by students of Unified Champion Schools and members of the Unified Generation: “We are not just athletes. We ...

Washington HS: A Case Study

Washington High School is in Phoenix, Arizona. This school is a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. Through Unified Sports and ...

Learn Unified: Whole School Engagement

There are 3 components of a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. An example of one is Whole School Engagement. This is ...

There is Nothing Kate Can’t Do

Through Kate’s story, we see what meaningful inclusion looks like from an early age. She is fully embraced as ...

Loretta: Our Inspiration

When Loretta Claiborne was a young girl, she felt isolated. She worried about what her future would hold. As she ...

Special Olympics Celebrates 50th Anniversary

In this video,  watch how Special Olympics has impacted different people throughout the movement. First, Loretta Claiborne talks about her ...

Evan & Jay: Brothers

Evan and Jay Hallberg are brothers. The two attended Ponaganset High School in Rhode Island. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® ...