What is Unified Champion Schools
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools is an education-based project, financially supported by the U.S. Department of Education, that uses the sports and education programs of Special Olympics to activate young people across the U.S. in order to promote school communities where all young people are agents of change – fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics believes that through sports young people can make a difference in friendships, schools and communities. Special Olympics Illinois Unified Champion Schools incorporates Special Olympics sports and related activities, however, in this new way of operating (youth-centered, school focused) there is an enhancement in current programs and paradigms from a focus on events to committing to a movement advocating for youth as change agents now and in the future.