Welcome back to school!

We are so excited that your school is joining the inclusion revolution, and we can’t wait to get started with a new year of Whole School Engagement activities, Inclusive Youth Leadership opportunities, and Unified Sports. Each year, we grow and strengthen our program. This year we will be communicating with our schools via this Constant Contact email service.
We’re thrilled to announce the Class of 2021 National Banner Unified Champion Schools. These three Florida schools shown above have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence.

Want to learn more about how to become a National Banner Unified Champion School? Watch our new video!

The application cycle for the 2021 – 2022 school year will open in April 2022. Here are the standards for your school level:
Component 1:
Whole School Engagement

This October, we celebrate Unity Day as part of Fall Inclusion Week (October 19-22).


Special Olympics Florida will also provide Fall Inclusion Week ideas for elementary schools.
Component 2:
Inclusive Youth Leadership

Vero Beach High School in Indian River County recently held a Club Rush event where students from their Unified Club had an awareness table and recruited new members. What a great example of Inclusive Youth Leadership!

Wondering how to start one at your school to fulfill this component? Check out this step by step guide!
Component 3: Unified Sports

Meet the FHSAA Teams for 2021!

FHSAA Flag Football Teams - Homestead Senior High School, Kathleen High School, Vero Beach High School, H.B. Plant High School, Durant High School, Seabreeze High School, New Smyrna Beach High School, Wakulla High School, Lawton Chiles High School, Leon High School, Cypress Creek High School, Coral Shores High School, and Language and Literacy Academy for Learning

FHSAA Bowling Teams - Pine Ridge High School, Lely High School, Homestead Senior High School, Fort Myers High School, Mariner High School, H.B. Plant High School, New Smyrna Beach High School, St. Lucie West Centennial High School, Vero Beach High School, Cypress Lake High School, and Seabreeze High School

Enrollment in Young Athletes, Little ELITES, Rising Stars and competitive Unified Sports is now open! Contact us to start your required inclusive sports component. We have school-based programming for every grade level!
Meet the Staff at Special Olympics Florida
We are here to assist you with your Unified Champions Schools program.

Danielle Kent, Manager, Unified Champion Schools, Health & Fitness
daniellekent@sofl.org, 352-242-7770

Jana Arnette, Manager, Unified Champion City Schools - Jacksonville
janaarnette@sofl.org, 904-568-6681

Meredith Narayanan, Sr Director, Unified Champion Schools & Non-Competitive Programs
meredithnarayanan@sofl.org, 352-727-5097
October 19-22, 2021
Fall Inclusion Week & Unity Day

October 13, 2021
FHSAA Bowling Regionals
at Boardwalk Bowl Orlando

November 4, 2021
FHSAA Bowling State Championships
at Boardwalk Bowl Orlando