“When students lead the way, inclusion becomes a community.” 

Albert Campbell CI has created a Unified program defined by student leadership, creativity, and a commitment to belonging. Their school has become a hub for events, hosting multiple School Championships competitions, athlete showcases, and leadership activities throughout the year. Albert Campbell blends strong educator leadership with student-driven programming, and the result is a vibrant, welcoming environment where students of all abilities come together to learn, practice, and build meaningful relationships. 

Inclusive Sports and Health 

Albert Campbell runs a year-round Unified model through its PLF class, which allows students to train and prepare for Special Olympics sports across all seasons. This year, the school launched a Unified doubles badminton intramural at lunch, hosted entirely by PLF students. More than twenty teams signed up in the first week, creating one of the most visible and successful intramurals Albert Campbell has ever run. With multiple signature events each year, Albert Campbell provides consistent opportunities for SO athletes and Unified partners to practice skills, build confidence, and showcase their abilities. 

Youth Leadership 

Leadership is at the core of Albert Campbell’s program. Unified students coach SO athletes every Thursday at lunch, helping them prepare for SOO qualifiers and TDSB Division 6 events. These student coaches explain rules, run drills, support skill growth, and model inclusive teamwork. The program has also produced strong leaders beyond the gym, including students who serve on the Youth Leadership Council and others who support Albert Campbell’s community transition program. Students repeatedly describe how the program has strengthened their confidence, communication, and relationships with peers across the school. 

Whole-School Engagement 

Albert Campbell’s Unified culture reaches across the entire school community. Their student run Health and Wellness Hub offers lunchtime activities like bingo, bracelet making, and shared lunches, creating a safe and welcoming space for students of all abilities. The school also operates a Wednesday Evening Unified Transition Program that brings together SO athletes and Unified partners from four different schools. These sessions provide low barrier, high connection opportunities for students who may not have access to other community programs. With strong attendance and consistent student leadership, the program has become a signature element of Albert Campbell’s school identity. 

Signature Moment 

One of Albert Campbell’s most defining moments came during the Unified doubles badminton intramural. Students filled the gym at lunch, cheering each other on and celebrating plays from athletes who had never competed publicly before. Teachers described watching SO athletes step onto the court with confidence, knowing the entire school was there to support them. That week long intramural became a visible reminder that inclusion is not something confined to a single event. It is something the entire school can take part in, enjoy, and celebrate together. 

Why Albert Campbell Is an All-Province Unified Champion School 

Albert Campbell CI demonstrates how a Unified program can flourish when students are empowered to lead. With strong partnerships, innovative programming, and consistent whole-school engagement, Albert Campbell has created a sustainable and student centered model of inclusion. Their program highlights the power of creativity, leadership, and shared responsibility, and it stands as one of the most impactful Unified initiatives in the TDSB. 

“The students who get on the bus are never the same students who return.” 

Bishop Tonnos CHS has built a Unified program defined by compassion, connection, and competitive excellence. What began with a small group of trusted student athletes has grown into a tight-knit school community where SO athletes and Unified partners train together, travel together, and stand proudly as leaders in the building. Bishop Tonnos is known for its heart centered approach to inclusion, its strong athletic traditions, and the way students and educators describe Unified experiences as transformative for everyone involved. 

Inclusive Sports and Health 

Bishop Tonnos competes in SOO qualifiers across multiple sports, participates in whole-school pep rallies, and integrates Unified athletes into visible school competitions and celebrations. Their teams are known for teamwork, effort, and sportsmanship, and their Unified soccer team won gold at the 2023 Provincial School Championships in Kingston. Each season includes practices, tournaments, and community involvement, helping students build confidence, athletic skill, and meaningful peer relationships. 

Youth Leadership 

Youth leadership at Bishop Tonnos is grounded in responsibility, mentorship, and connection. Unified partners and student shadows support teammates during tournaments, assist with drills and rules, and lead activities for peers of varying needs. Students gain valuable leadership experience while building empathy, patience, and confidence. The team is known for demonstrating collective pride and unity, often described by staff as a group that cares deeply for each other and represents their school with enthusiasm and dignity. 

Whole-School Engagement 

Unified athletes at Bishop Tonnos are seen, celebrated, and supported by the entire school community. They appear on morning announcements, school Instagram, athletic assemblies, and hallway displays. Pep rallies highlight their accomplishments, and families join to cheer them on at qualifiers and Provincials. The school’s culture continues to shift as students witness friends and classmates succeeding in sport, traveling to competitions, and being recognized for their achievements. Unified programming has become a visible symbol of pride and belonging at Bishop Tonnos. 

Signature Moment 

One of the most defining moments for Bishop Tonnos came during the 2023 Provincial Championships. After winning gold in Unified soccer, students immediately asked where the next provincials would be and how they could prepare to win again. Coaches described how the group had trained together, bonded together, and supported each other so closely that the medal felt secondary to the friendships formed along the way. The team even continued meeting up on weekends to play sports and attended a Harlem Globetrotters game together, showing how deeply their connections extended beyond school events.

Why Bishop Tonnos Is an All-Province Unified Champion School 

Bishop Tonnos CHS demonstrates how a Unified program can change the culture of an entire school. Their athletes lead with sportsmanship and heart, their partners step forward as compassionate leaders, and their educators create environments where students grow in independence, confidence, and joy. With competitive success, strong community presence, and powerful personal stories, Bishop Tonnos stands as a model of what it means to be an All-Province Unified Champion School. 

“Inclusion grows here the same way friendships do. One shared moment at a time.” 

École secondaire catholique de Casselman has created a Unified program rooted in relationships, curiosity, and consistency. What began with twelve committed students who agreed to take on more than just games has grown into a community where inclusion is visible every day at lunch. Casselman’s program is small but powerful, centred on peer connection, social presence, and creating meaningful opportunities for students with and without disabilities to learn from each other.

Inclusive Sports and Health 

Casselman’s Unified athletes participate in an impressive range of sports, including floorball, bocce, track and field, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and multi-sport team games. Teachers describe a lunchtime gym atmosphere that feels welcoming, warm, and full of energy. Students from outside the program often wander in to watch, stay to cheer, and eventually join in the games themselves. This organic growth has helped break down social barriers and has made Unified activities one of the most inclusive and joyful spaces in the whole school. 

Youth Leadership 

Leadership is emerging as one of Casselman’s most exciting strengths. The school is planning to host a Unified conference and workshop for every Unified student in the board, positioning Casselman as a leader in regional inclusion. Students support each other during activities, welcome new participants, and help shape the direction of future programming. Casselman is building a platform for long-term leadership development, mentorship, and student voice. 

Whole-School Engagement 

The Unified program has created visible culture change at Casselman. Social connections have grown across grade levels, more students are participating during lunch hours, and Special Education students are increasingly integrated into everyday school life. Teachers have noticed a clear shift in how students interact, support one another, and view inclusion. Unified programming has become a catalyst for building friendships, increasing acceptance, and fostering an environment where every student feels comfortable joining in. 

Signature Moment 

One memorable pattern kept appearing during staff reflections. Students who were not originally part of the Unified group started showing up at lunchtime to watch the games. They would sit along the wall, move a little closer each day, and eventually step onto the court to participate. That moment when a student chooses inclusion without being asked has become a defining symbol of Casselman’s growth. Their program is building a community that people simply want to belong to. 

Why Casselman Is an All-Province Unified Champion School 

Casselman shows how a committed group of students, guided by caring staff, can transform the culture of an entire school. Their program stands out for its heart, its consistency, and its belief that inclusion is built through real relationships. With strong participation, emerging leadership, and a community that grows stronger each month, Casselman is a deserving All-Province Unified Champion School. 

“Inclusion is no longer an event at Glebe. It is part of the identity.” 

Glebe Collegiate Institute has been a leader in Unified programming for more than a decade. Their journey began in 2012 and has grown into one of the strongest and most celebrated school cultures in Ottawa. What started as the early Four Corners team has evolved into a program where over thirty Unified athletes join ten traditional athletes every week at lunchtime to practice, play, and build meaningful friendships. Glebe is known for its long-term commitment, its student leadership pathway, and a school community that embraces its Unified athletes with pride. 

Inclusive Sports and Health 

Glebe’s Unified program is grounded in weekly practices, regular participation in local events, and strong relationships with partner schools across the region. The school hosts soccer qualifiers, attends regional competitions, and ensures that Unified teams have dedicated gym time each Thursday. Students consistently demonstrate sportsmanship and spirit at tournaments, while lunchtime intramurals and Unified activities keep athletes connected throughout the school year. The program also engages with LETR events like the Ottawa Torch Run, helping athletes experience the movement beyond the walls of the school. 

Youth Leadership 

Leadership is one of Glebe’s defining strengths. The school has three students on the Unified Leadership Council, four junior coaches, and four grade ten students training to take over in future years. Their junior coaches lead practices, run drills, facilitate positive interactions, and model inclusive behavior. Some students even attend meetings with the Ministry of Education to speak about the impact Unified programming has had on their lives. This leadership pipeline ensures sustainability and gives Glebe’s athletes and partners a clear path to grow, contribute, and mentor others. 

Whole-School Engagement 

Unified athletes at Glebe are visible and celebrated throughout the school. They are recognized at athletic banquets and assemblies, included in lunchtime intramurals, and featured in fundraisers and school activities. They are greeted with high fives in the halls and asked how their latest tournament went. Parents consistently express how meaningful it is to see their children included, valued, and known. Glebe has created a school culture where Unified athletes are not just participants in sport. They are leaders, teammates, and central voices in the community. 

Signature Moment 

One of Glebe’s most memorable patterns is the weekly Thursday practice. The gym fills with athletes who range widely in ability, age, and experience, yet the energy remains the same every time. Students pair off quickly, junior coaches step into their leadership roles, and the room shifts into a space where everyone belongs. Teachers describe how you can feel the excitement long before the first drill begins. When over forty students fill the gym to practice Unified sport together at lunch, it becomes impossible to deny the cultural transformation taking place. 

Why Glebe Is an All-Province Unified Champion School 

Glebe represents the complete Unified Champion School model. They excel in inclusive sport, invest deeply in student leadership, and foster whole-school engagement that has reshaped their culture from the ground up. Their program is sustainable, student led, and widely celebrated in the community. With over a decade of commitment and a pipeline of new leaders ready to carry the torch, Glebe stands as one of the strongest Unified programs in Ontario. 

“Leadership is something you grow into, and something you give back.” 

J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate (JCR) has built one of the most comprehensive and high-energy Unified programs in Durham. What began as a successful multi-team sport program has grown into a school-wide culture rooted in leadership, visibility, and care. JCR blends strong competitive performance with a deep commitment to student empowerment, creating a place where athletes with and without disabilities train together, lead together, and represent their school with pride.

 Inclusive Sports and Health 

JCR is known for its depth in Unified sports. The school runs multiple teams for each qualifier, hosts the Durham Soccer Qualifiers, and recently launched its first Athlete Showcase, which was described as a major highlight for students, staff, and community partners. Inclusive sport extends beyond competition through weekly training sessions, Unified partners integrated into physical education classes, and school-wide participation in health and fitness initiatives. The school’s collaboration with Special Olympics Durham and its leadership classes allows students to experience inclusive sport as both athletes and role models.  

Youth Leadership 

Youth leadership at JCR is one of the most advanced in the province. Their student coach program assigns leadership students and Unified athletes as coaches for qualifiers. These students handle warmups, lineups, team communication, and game support, gaining valuable leadership experience and responsibility. Several JCR students serve in provincial leadership roles and attend the Unified Leadership Council and Youth Summit. This leadership model raises both confidence and empathy, and it consistently produces students who leave JCR with a deep understanding of inclusion. 

Whole-School Engagement 

JCR's Unified program is woven through school culture. Students run community walks, field trips, board games, and lunchtime activities that provide inclusive spaces for all students. Unified teams are recognized at the athletic banquet and on social media, and the school has embraced campaigns like Choose to Include. The school also donates facilities for qualifiers and showcases and includes students with disabilities in major spirit events like Rivalry Week. These efforts have created a school environment filled with compassion, visibility, and community pride. 

Signature Moment 

One of JCR's most defining moments came during their Athlete Showcase. Students who had never tried inclusive sport before were introduced to basketball, volleyball, badminton, and wheelchair basketball in a supportive environment. The experience sparked curiosity, confidence, and excitement across the entire school. Many students described the event as the first time they fully understood inclusive sport and what their peers were capable of, leading to a noticeable rise in interest and school spirit in the days that followed. 

Why JCR Is an All-Province Unified Champion School 

JCR demonstrates exceptional strength across all three Unified Champion School pillars. They offer high-quality inclusive sports, a developed leadership model, and a vibrant school culture that celebrates inclusion throughout the year. Their students consistently demonstrate sportsmanship, friendship, mentorship, and pride in representing their school. JCR is a clear example of how a Unified program can shape not only athletes, but the entire school community. 

“When our students play Unified, the whole school feels it.” 

Overview 

Napanee District Secondary School (NDSS) has been involved with Special Olympics programming for nearly two decades, and their Unified identity runs deep. What began as consistent participation in every qualifier has evolved into a school culture where inclusion is part of the rhythm of the building. NDSS blends strong athletic tradition with an authentic commitment to belonging, led by educators, leadership students, and SO athletes who set the tone for the entire community. 

Inclusive Sports and Health 

NDSS competes in every Unified sport available: soccer, basketball, bocce, floorball, track and field, and pilot events like handball. Their leadership class runs daily Unified Physical Education, hosts the local handball qualifier, and facilitates a weekly Unified intramural league. Staff across departments have completed SOO Unified Coach Training, and students participate in Healthy Athletes programming and the SOFitNow Health app. These opportunities create consistent touchpoints for fitness, friendship, and participation. 

Youth Leadership 

Youth leadership is one of NDSS’s biggest strengths. The school has established a Unified Council and launched Unified partner training and mentorship programs. Students take part in leadership workshops, participate in the elementary-secondary mentorship pathway, and present Unified programming to Educational Services and other educators across the board. NDSS sends delegates to SOO’s Leadership Youth Summit and participates in Healthy Athletes Leadership Days, building a pipeline of skilled, compassionate student leaders. 

Whole-School Engagement 

Unified programming is woven through NDSS school spirit. Students fundraise through the Napanee Torch Run, run academic-related lunchtime events, and present Unified athletes during assemblies and athletic banquets. Fans pack the sidelines at Unified soccer, bocce, and handball events, and whole-school pep rallies celebrate athletes before championships. The school shares facilities with SOO qualifiers and supports students transitioning into community programs. Unified is part of the school’s story, not just the sports schedule. 

Signature Moment 

One of NDSS’s defining culture shifts has been the weekly Unified intramural lunch league. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a gathering point for students across grades and programs. Mainstream students began showing up out of curiosity, returning because the games were fun, and staying because of the friendships forming on the gym floor. The weekly lunchtime noise, filled with cheering, laughing, and celebrating small wins, became the clearest sign that inclusion at NDSS is alive and growing. 

Why NDSS Is an All-Province Unified Champion School 

Napanee District Secondary School consistently demonstrates what sustainable, meaningful Unified programming looks like. They offer a full slate of sports, invest in leadership training, engage their entire school community, and continuously expand opportunities for SO athletes and Unified partners. NDSS is a model for how long-term commitment, creativity, and student-driven enthusiasm can transform a school culture and create lasting pathways for inclusion. 

“When our athletes step onto a plane for Provincials, they are stepping into a new version of themselves.” 

Westgate CVI has built one of the strongest and most community-connected Unified programs in Northern Ontario. Their success comes from a blend of administrative support, strong ties with Special Olympics Thunder Bay, and a school culture that celebrates every athlete openly and proudly. What makes Westgate exceptional is how their Unified program is rooted in both competitive excellence and everyday moments of connection. Students train together, volunteer together, and travel together, creating a team identity that has reshaped the school’s culture. 

Inclusive Sports and Health 

Westgate fields multiple Unified teams in every SOO qualifier, including soccer, basketball, bocce, and track and field. The school participates in monthly fitness challenges, virtual Unified series events, and the Choose to Include campaign, creating an awareness of health and wellness that reaches well beyond the classroom. Students have volunteered at the Thunder Bay Special Olympics Basketball Festival, running drills, refereeing, and serving as scorekeepers. Their involvement strengthens both school pride and the local sport community. 

Youth Leadership 

Leadership at Westgate is grounded in representation and student voice. One of their Special Olympics athletes, Nolan Blundon, became the school’s Special Needs Representative on student council, giving Unified students a formal role in shaping school life. This leadership model was highlighted at the Global Youth Leadership Summit in Toronto, where both a student and an educator represented Westgate. Through coaching roles, mentorship opportunities, and community leadership, students gain confidence and skills that extend far beyond sport. 

Whole-School Engagement 

Westgate’s Unified athletes are highly visible across the school. They are celebrated at assemblies, recognized on announcements, and encouraged by peers in hallways, classrooms, and lunchrooms. The school’s partnership with Special Olympics Thunder Bay ensures smooth coordination of events and fosters a sense of belonging that families deeply appreciate. Westgate is also a Blue Jays affiliated school through the Jays Care Program, expanding their impact into enriched learning and community engagement. 

Signature Moment 

A defining Westgate moment happens every time the team travels to Provincials. For many students, the trip begins with their first flight. Families gather to watch, emotional and proud, as their children board a plane independently and travel across the province with their teammates. Teachers describe the transformation that happens on these trips. Students who leave Thunder Bay on day one return home more confident, more connected, and more self-assured. Those moments have become a cherished tradition in the Westgate Unified story. 

Why Westgate Is an All-Province Unified Champion School 

Westgate demonstrates excellence across all three Unified Champion School pillars. They compete with pride, lead with compassion, and engage their entire school community in meaningful, lasting ways. With strong partnerships, visible leadership, and a culture that celebrates every athlete, Westgate stands out as a model of inclusion in Northern Ontario. Their program is sustainable, student centered, and built on genuine relationships that continue to strengthen year after year.