9 New York High Schools Earn National Recognition for Unified Sports

Special Olympics North America Banner Marks Highest Honor for School Inclusion

Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman today announced that nine New York high schools have earned national banner recognition from Special Olympics North America.

This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion Schools in the country, recognizing excellence and leadership in creating inclusive school communities.

The nine new Unified Champion Schools earning this prestigious honor are the following: Broadalbin-Perth High School, Scotia Glenville High School, Patchogue-Medford High School, Cattaraugus Little Valley High School, Center Moriches High School, The Wheatley School, Shaker High School, Lake George Jr./Sr. High School, and Rondout Valley High School. In addition, Amsterdam High School also renewed their banner status.

In Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, students with and without disabilities play on the same sports teams and take physical education courses together. Students also learn inclusive leadership skills and lead campaigns and activities that engage the entire school community to encourage and promote inclusion among their peers.

“Students, coaches and administrators in our Unified Champion Schools are the leaders of the Inclusion Revolution,” said Hengsterman. “We are honored to recognize their truly incredible work to accept, include and celebrate all students.”

Special Olympics NY Unified Champion Schools are off to a vibrant start to the school year. Due to increased popularity among students, many schools are adding fall Unified Sports including bocce, soccer, and flag football. Statewide, 375 schools and nearly 5,000 Unified Athletes and nearly 5,000 Unified Partners play Unified. A long-term partnership with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has led to additional rapid Unified growth in recent years.

“We could not be prouder of these schools and their students, faculty, coaches, and advisors,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “These national banners reflect the hard work and dedication put forth to better their schools.”

A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated the highest commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence. The standards were developed by a panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community nationally. The primary activities within these standards include Special Olympics Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole-School Engagement.

To achieve banner status, Unified Champion Schools must also demonstrate that they are self-sustainable or have a plan in place to continue these activities in the future. These nine new Banner Schools bring New York’s statewide total to 45.

To get involved in Unified Sports with Special Olympics New York, visit specialolympics-ny.org/unified or send an email to unified@nyso.org.

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