September Highlights - 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.
You've got mail! All Unified Champion Schools will receive curriculum playbooks and display banners shortly after they register for the program. If your school is missing an item or need a fresh replacement, please contact: Angelo Cottman.
Vinyl Banner
We’re thrilled to announce the Class of 2022 National Banner Unified Champion Schools. These 13 Florida schools listed 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 2022 – 2023 school year will open in April 2023. Here are the standards for your school level:
Component 1:
Whole School Engagement

This October, we celebrate Unity Day on October 19. Plan on wearing and sharing the color orange!

We encourage Unified Champion Schools and their students to start planning for this Whole School Engagement campaign. Utilizing resources from PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, students can learn more about creative and empathetic ways to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Special Olympics Florida will be providing implementation ideas in the coming weeks.
Last year's Unity Day - October 2021
Component 2:
Inclusive Youth Leadership

Unified Clubs at every school level empower students and staff to achieve Inclusive Youth Leadership skills and commit to inclusion in their communities. Wondering how to start one at your school to fulfill this component? Check out this step by step guide!
USA TODAY recently named Miami-Dade athlete Kamari Graham its 2022 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year. Kamari competes in multiple sports and led his team to the FHSAA state championship in Unified flag football. He then helped his team win gold at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in June. Kamari also serves as the Vice President of Homestead Senior High School's Unified Club. Check out the award show video to learn more about his inspiring story.
Component 3: Unified Sports

Meet the FHSAA Teams for Fall 2022!

FHSAA Flag Football Teams - Atlantic Coast High School, Chiles High School, Coral Shores High School, Cypress Creek High School, Durant High School, Felix Varela Senior High School, H.B. Plant High School, Homestead Senior High School, Tavares High School, Vero Beach High School

FHSAA Bowling Teams - Cypress Creek High School, Cypress Lake High School, Eustis High School, Fort Myers High School, Golden Gate High School, Homestead Senior High School, Lehigh Senior High School, Lely High School, Mariner High School, New Smyrna Beach High School, North Fort Myers High School, Pine Ridge High School, St. Lucie West Centennial High School, Treasure Coast High School, University High School, Vero Beach High School

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

Danielle Kent, Sr. 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

Angelo Cottman, Coordinator, Unified Champion Schools
angelocottman@sofl.org, 352-809-0405

Sophie DeAnnuntis, Manager, Developmental Sports Programs - West Coast Region
sophiedeannuntis@sofl.org, 813-564-3759

Ashley Hernandez, Manager, Developmental Sports Programs - Central Region
ashleyhernandez@sofl.org, 352-250-8119

Julia Huertas, Manager, Developmental Sports Programs - Northeast Region
juliahuertas@sofl.org, 352-933-1372

Lindsay Jones, Manager, Developmental Sports Programs - Northwest Region
lindsayjones@sofl.org, 352-988-4503

Mary Kendle, Manager, Developmental Sports Programs - Central Region & Palm Beach
marykendle@sofl.org, 772-475-3588

Claudia Lequerica, Manager, Unified Champion City Schools & Developmental Sports Programs - Miami-Dade
claudialequerica@sofl.org, 305-849-1841

Meredith Narayanan, Sr. Director, Unified Champion Schools & Developmental Sports Programs
meredithnarayanan@sofl.org, 352-727-5097

Mark Thompson, Director, Developmental Sports Programs - South Region
markthompson@sofl.org, 305-926-1124
October - December 2022

October 13, 2022
FHSAA Bowling Regionals
at Boardwalk Bowl Orlando

October 19, 2022

November 3, 2022
FHSAA Bowling State Championships
at Boardwalk Bowl Orlando