Unified Champion Schools®
To ignite young people’s passion for our cause, we have to reach them where they most often are: school. At all grade levels, students’ lives revolve around their school and school activities. That is why we conceived Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® (SOUCS) as a school-based initiative to create opportunities for authentic social inclusion.
SONH aims to build a society of acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities and, by extension, for everyone. We know that sports training and competition can help achieve that goal. And we know that students – with their energy, idealism, intelligence and creativity – can be not only participants but also leaders in our mission.
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® in New Hampshire consists of four components:
- Unified Sports® – provides opportunities for students with and without ID to participate on sports teams together as teammates.
- Inclusive Youth Leadership – provides opportunities for students with and without ID to take on leadership roles in promoting SOUCS in their schools and communities.
- Whole-School Engagement – provides opportunities for ALL students in their schools to participate in Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools activities.
- Sustainability – provides opportunities for long-term programming, ingrained in the fabric of a school. Grant money and fundraising opportunities are provided to support sustaining programming.
SONH offers a number of school-based programs that allow students the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® throughout their school years.
Special Olympics Unified Middle Schools
Middle school is where students are first introduced to Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®. They can take part in Unified Basketball, Unified Fitness, and Unified PE, building skills, teamwork, and friendships through inclusive activities. Students also explore Youth Leadership and whole-school engagement, creating inclusive clubs, hosting awareness events, and celebrating inclusion through activities like Unified Sports days and the Middle School Dip.
Special Olympics Unified High Schools
High school students take their Unified experience to the next level through three seasons of Unified Sports—fall soccer, winter basketball, and spring volleyball or track—offered in partnership with the NHIAA. These varsity-style teams bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together
to train, compete, and represent their schools. Beyond sports, Unified Clubs lead inclusive activities, awareness events, and community projects, while student leaders serve on the Statewide Youth Activation Committee to grow the movement across New Hampshire. Schools also celebrate inclusion through pep rallies, “Fans in the Stands,” Unified Field Days, and fundraising events like the High School Plunge and Dip.
Inclusive Youth Leadership (IYL)
Inclusive Youth Leadership in the Classroom
Inclusive youth leadership gives all students—of all abilities—the chance to
lead, learn, and make a difference together. By promoting shared decision-
making, teamwork, and respect, classrooms become spaces where every
voice matters. Explore our resources to help students take the lead in
creating a more inclusive school community.
Unified Clubs
A Unified Club is a student-led group that brings together students with and
without intellectual disabilities to build friendships, develop leadership skills,
and promote a school culture where everyone feels included and valued.
Youth Activation Committee
The Youth Activation Committee (YAC) is an inspiring team of high school leaders with and without intellectual disabilities who work together as Unified pairs to make a difference in New Hampshire. As a YAC member, you’ll team up with other Unified pairs throughout the state to promote Unified sports,
plan events and drive positive change in your school and community. If you’re excited about leadership and inclusion, fill out the form and join us in creating a world where everyone belongs!
Whole School Engagement
Whole-School Engagement brings the entire school community together to celebrate inclusion and unity. Through fun, schoolwide activities—like Fans- in-the-Stands events, Unified pep rallies, and Spread the Word awareness campaigns—students of all abilities learn, lead, and take action to make their schools more welcoming for everyone.
Looking for ideas to get started? Check out our Monthly Whole-School Engagement Unified Challenge Guide for ready-to-use activities and inspiration.