Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1332979
71 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOLS Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is a youth-centered, school-focused initiative that uses Special Olympics Unified Sports® and education programs to encourage inclusion, participation and leadership through the power of sport. As a Special Olympics Delaware initiative, our Unified Champion Schools Program offers schools (preschool through college) multiple opportunities to be engaged in its traditional and Unified Sports programs as well as other non- sports inclusive youth-led activities. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Program, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education, promotes inclusive school communities through activities including Spread the Word - Inclusion ®, Spirit Weeks and Cool Schools at the Polar Bear Plunge. However, it is Unified Sports that are the foundation of the Unified Champion Schools movement and in Delaware includes students of all ages competing in Basketball and Soccer Skills events, and 5 v 5 developmental and competitive team Soccer tournaments. Unified Young Athletes and Motor Activity Programs along with Unified Physical Education classes are also offered. In addition, in 2013, Unified Sports became part of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association with the piloting of Unified Track and Field. Since then, Unified Flag Football, Basketball, and Track & Field have become official DIAA sports.