ESPN recognizes Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools

The NFHS proudly works alongside Special Olympics to promote inclusion opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Unified Sports programs, where athletes with disabilities participate with non-disabled athletes, is a growing and important endeavor of schools and state associations across the country.

NFHS Director of Sports Lindsey Atkinson, who works with the NFHS inclusion team, was part of the first-ever National Recognition Program Certifying Body that selected the honorees.

From ESPN:

A Special Olympics Unified Champion School endeavors to create an inclusive school climate and to promote a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff. A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence. These standards were developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community.

See all honored schools from ESPN.

[The top five schools were announced on October 12.](/umbraco/ESPN%20and Special Olympics name the Top 5 Unified Champion Schools for 2020)