Winona-Montgomery School District has joined the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program, aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities system-wide change in K-12 schools and college campuses. With sports as the foundation, the three-component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. At WMSD, liaisons have been established at both schools and the district office – Lexie Flowers, Winona Elementary School; Tonya Leverette and Adian Tate, Winona Secondary School, and Lori Sturdivant, WMSD. WMSD is working to create a Unified Generation that CHOOSES TO INCLUDE.
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® builds on Special Olympics’ values, principles and practices to shape a generation that welcomes everyone.
With sports as the foundation, the three-component strategy offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip educators and young people with tools to create sports, classrooms, and school climates of acceptance.
Component One: Unified Sports
Unified Sports provides individuals -- with and without intellectual disabilities -- the opportunity to train and compete as a team. Unified Sports promotes acceptance and inclusion in schools.
Component Two: Inclusive Youth Leadership
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools brings youth with and without intellectual disabilities together through education, sports, and youth leadership to provide them with the opportunities to be advocates for acceptance, respect, and inclusion for ALL in their school communities.
Component Three: Whole School Engagement
Unified Champion Schools must engage the entire school community. An inclusive school climate that fosters understanding and respect for all can influence how students think and act, both within and beyond the school.
