Special Olympics Ontario Unified Champion Schools empowers students of all abilities to reach their full potential through inclusive sports, health, leadership opportunities, and school engagement. Joining our inclusive schools strategy offers a multitude of tangible benefits for students, schools, and parents alike:  

1. School Environment and Social Benefits for All Students:
   Unified Schools: initiatives create inclusive environments where students with and without intellectual disabilities learn and play together, fostering friendships and promoting positive social interactions.
   Studies show that 94% of Unified School Programs significantly reduce bullying and offensive language, while promoting positive attitudes and interactions among students of all abilities. Teachers report an improved sense of community after participating in Unified Schools and significant improvements in how people with ID are perceived and treated.
   Changing Attitudes: Special Olympics promotes education and awareness about the dignity and abilities of all individuals. Witnessing the accomplishments of athletes challenges misconceptions and fosters a more inclusive mindset within communities and schools. Notably:
   
   • 84% of students regard Unified Champion School as a positive turning point in their lives.  
   • 71% of students with and without intellectual disabilities remained in contact with students with disabilities who they met through their school’s inclusive programming after graduation.  
   • Students who are engaged in programming develop valuable pro-social skills. The majority of students report learning: about helping others (87%), about how their emotions and attitudes can affect others (85%), that standing up for something they believe is the right thing to do (85%) .
   • 82% of students felt that they were able to change their schools for the better.  

    

2. Enhanced Physical and Emotional Well-Being:
   Physical Benefits: Participation in Special Olympics leads to increased levels of physical activity, improved lung function, cardiovascular fitness, and reduced risk of obesity. Athletes will see improved coordination, balance, body control and enhanced self-confidence. Young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities participating in Special Olympics programming have a 15% reduced risk of being diagnosed with diabetes than their peers.
   Mental Health & Emotional Benefits: Research shows that involvement in Special Olympics programs leads to increased social skills, self-esteem, and overall well-being for participants. Participation can also support daily living activities and independence. 
   A recent study has also shown 49% reduction in risk of being diagnosed with depression in young adults with IDD who participate in Special Olympics 

3. Inclusive Community and Leadership Opportunities:
   Special Olympics Ontario fosters an inclusive and supportive community where students of all abilities are valued and respected. Through Youth Leadership initiatives, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, advocate for themselves and others, and make a positive impact within their schools and communities.
   Research shows Special Olympics participants are 5 times more likely to gain employment. Athlete Leadership initiatives empower individuals to become leaders within the movement, shaping its future and ensuring the athlete voice is heard and valued. 
   
4. Academic and Career Success:
   Research indicates that students involved in Special Olympics programs are more likely to excel academically and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Involvement in Special Olympics also increases the likelihood of future employment, with participants demonstrating strong leadership and work ethic. Notably, adults with ID enrolled in Special Olympics are 5 times more likely to be employed than those not enrolled. 

5. Health and Wellness Support:
   Special Olympics Ontario provides crucial health screenings and fitness programs for students with intellectual disabilities, promoting overall health and well-being. Through the Healthy Athletes program, athletes receive specialized healthcare services, addressing common health issues such as untreated tooth decay, vision problems, and obesity. 

Join Us in Making a Difference: 
By joining Special Olympics Ontario Unified Champion Schools, students, schools, and parents become part of a global movement and community network dedicated to promoting inclusion, acceptance, and positive change. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society where every individual is valued and empowered to succeed. 

Get Involved Today: 
Explore our programs and initiatives to learn more about how you can get involved with Special Olympics Ontario School Programs. Join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive school community where every student can thrive. 

Interested in getting involved or learning more? Whether you would like to become a Unified Champion School, participate, host, or volunteer, please fill out our short intake form and our team will be in touch to assist you. 

This year, supported by the ministry of education, we will be bringing the Unified Champion School Inclusive schools strategy to Ontario. Look forward to an expanded elementary program platform with more access to active start, fundamentals and multi-sport resources, virtual programing, Unified Schools strategy, our staple sports festival, and our new intermediate development and competition program.  

Special Olympics Ontario is thrilled to offer an unprecedented number of secondary school competition opportunities for the 2024-2025 school year. Highlighting the year is the return of our three-day Provincial School Championships in Ottawa from June 3rd to 5th. We’re also launching 30 new in-person events, three virtual competitions, a pilot sport, an athlete showcase, and a Healthy School Activity Series. Additionally, our Healthy Athletes and Youth Leadership programs are expanding to provide even more access, opportunities, and resources for schools and students. 

Lastly, our Unified Programs will be making a strong comeback at universities and colleges across the province. 

To learn more about Special Olympics Ontario’s Unified Champion Schools and what’s in store for the year ahead, check out our program book below: