Fredonia High School Earns National Special Olympics Recognition for Inclusion

School Community Celebrates National Banner Status at Unified Basketball Game

Fredonia, NY – Special Olympics New York and the Fredonia Central School District today announced that Fredonia High School has achieved national banner status in recognition of its leadership in creating an inclusive school community where all students are accepted, celebrated, and included. The distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools in the nation.

In a Unified Champion School, students with and without intellectual disabilities play on the same sports team. They also lead events and activities throughout the year that encourage all students to practice and value inclusion. At approximately 340 Unified Champion Schools statewide, the program is reducing bullying and teasing, overturning negative stereotypes and spurring healthy social interactions.

“There are more than 8,000 Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools across the country – national banner status is reserved only for the best of the best,” said Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are incredibly proud to recognize Fredonia High School for its leadership in creating a school environment where inclusion, tolerance and acceptance of all students is the rule and not the exception. Congratulations and thank you to the entire school community.”

“I think Unified is an excellent example of a win-win scenario in which so many members of our school community benefit,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox. “Whether you are a student-athlete, coach, parent, family member, spectator, or faculty/staff, we all win by being part of or attending a Unified event. It brings everyone together for the greater good.”

Fredonia High School launched its Special Olympics Unified Sports® program in 2019 with Unified Bowling. Following the pandemic, it expanded offerings to include Unified Basketball and Bocce. School leaders say students have embraced not only the spirit of competition but also the mission of inclusion through active participation in a variety of fundraising events, including the Polar Plunge, Buffalo Bowl, and most recently, a fundraising initiative in partnership with local law enforcement at Applebee’s. To date, the school’s efforts have raised more than $35,000in support of Special Olympics New York. In 2023, it also established the Unified Club for students to promote inclusion and unity throughout the school community.

“This banner represents so much more than just an award – it’s a symbol of the culture we’re building here. Through unified sports and inclusive programs, our students are learning lessons about leadership, compassion, and teamwork that will stay with them long after they leave our halls. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement and even more excited about what’s ahead,” said Athletic Director Nick Bertrando.

“I truly believe Unified has made our school a more welcoming and inclusive place,” said Student Alexandria Ferguson. “People are so much more accepting now. I absolutely love the Unified basketball games—the energy is incredible! When everyone comes together to support and uplift one another, it feels like we’re one big family. The cheering, the excitement—it’s something really special!”

“Coaching Unified Sports is an incredibly rewarding experience for all involved. Unified Sports has been the best addition to the school’s system is quite some time,” said Unified Coach Julie Sanders. “It has united students, staff, and families to support one another through inclusion and social interaction. While the social aspect is very important in Unified Sports, there is still a competitive component that teaches athletes and partners to overcome adversity and strategize plans to be successful.”

“As a school board member and proud parent of a Unified Sports partner, this banner is deeply personal to me. It reflects the meaningful friendships and lasting memories my son found through Unified, and serves as a powerful reminder that when we provide opportunities for all students to connect, we create space for shared humanity and shared joy,” said Sheila Hahn, member of the Board of Education.

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 (where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates), 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 sustain these activities into the future.

If you don’t have this in your school, you should! Click here to get started or send an email to unified@nyso.org.

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