Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools bring youth with and without intellectual disabilities together through sports and education to create school communities of acceptance and respect. Unified Champion Schools are seen through every level of education (Pre-K/Head Start through college) and are driven by youth and staff leaders. View the Unified Champion Schools Reach Report.
Unified Champion Schools programming is designed to facilitate Special Olympics Unified Sports, provide classroom and community experiences that reduce bullying and exclusion, promote healthy activities, combat stereotypes and negative attitudes, eliminate hurtful language in schools, and engage young people in activities that lead to improved behavior and school climate.
- Unified Champion Schools Toolkit:Learn how to make your school an official Unified Champion School!
- Inclusion tiles: Start your inclusion journey with the interactive activity
- Importance of School Climate: An explanation of the positive effects of Unified Champion Schools
- Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools High School Graduation Packet: How high school seniors can stay involved in Special Olympics after graduation
- Special Olympics Language Guidelines: How to speak and write about Special Olympics
National banner recognition tells the world that your high school, middle school, or elementary school is inclusive. Find out what it takes to receive the highest honor from Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®.
Do you think your school meets the 10 standards of excellence? When the application reopens, you can apply and receive national recognition!
See the full list of Special Olympics North Carolina National Banner Unified Champion Schools >>
Class of 2024-25 National Banner Unified Champion Schools
*Denotes a school with four-year renewal recognition
- Beverly Woods Elementary School, Mecklenburg County
- Bunn Middle School, Franklin County
- Cramerton Middle School, Gaston County
- Charles P. Murray Middle School, New Hanover County*
- Duke University, Durham County*
- Francis Bradley Middle School, Mecklenburg County*
- Idlewild Elementary, Mecklenburg County*
- Swansboro High School, Onslow County
Special Olympics North Carolina has nearly 600 official Unified Champion Schools across the state!
*blue indicates counties with Unified Champion Schools programming
Unified Champion Schools provide a climate that is:
- Free from bullying and exclusion
- Combats stereotypes and negative attitudes
- Eliminates hurtful language
- Promotes healthy activity and interactions
- Is welcoming and values the engagement of all students
David W. Butler High School in Charlotte recognized as 2018-19 ESPN Honor Roll School. Watch.
Wake Forest High School recognized for commitment to inclusion
Sycamore Creek Elementary School recognized for commitment to inclusion
Deran Coe, District Athletic Director of Wake County Public School System, shares his moment.
