“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
The Special Olympics athlete oath
Bluefield State University is very excited to announce the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program coming Fall 2024. We’re honored to become the first collegiate member of this ESPN-sponsored program, in the state of West Virginia. A Special Olympics Unified Champion School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff.
There are three components involved in the Special Olympics UCS model –
Special Olympics Unified Sports: A fully-inclusive sports or fitness program that combines an approximately equal number of students with and without intellectual disabilities. Examples include such things as Intercollegiate Unified Sports, Unified Sports Clubs or Unified Sports Intramurals.
Inclusive Youth Leadership: Students and local Special Olympics athletes work to lead advocacy, awareness, inclusion and other Special Olympics activities throughout the school year. For example, an official Special Olympics College Club.
Whole School Engagement: Awareness and education activities that promote inclusion amongst the broader school population. Examples include such things as Spread the Word to End the Word (R-Word) Campaign, Pep Rallies or “Fans in the Stands” for Unified Sports teams, Respect Campaigns or student fundraising.
GET INVOLVED!
Unified Club Meeting – Join us every last Tuesday of the month at 8pm in the Student Center Game Room
Stay tuned for upcoming events posted on the website & Instagram page @bstateactivities