19 Massachusetts schools have earned national banner recognition from Special Olympics North America for their inclusive programming in the 2023-2024 school year. This honors their efforts to promote sports and activities for all.

North Reading High School was the first school in Massachusetts to sign on and participate in Special Olympics MA’s mobile plunge with Bear Force One—a fully equipped mobile plunge pool that can hold up to 2,800 gallons of water.

On Friday, October 6th school leaders from around the state enthusiastically joined Special Olympics MA at Bentley University for the Unified Champion Schools Conference.

Jake Blatnica of Natick, MA probably shouldn’t have been able to play sports, not at the high school level, anyway. Yet, today he is competing at the highest level and was named the Special Olympics High School Athlete of the year.

So far, there are a total of 23 BPS that have committed to being a Unified Champion School, and Special Olympics MA is excited to continue growing that number.

When Special Olympics cheerleaders stepped onto the field during the last local flag football game of the season at Worcester State University, they were met with a wave of support from football players, coaches, families, and friends.

On Thursday, October 14th, Norwood Public Schools organized a district-wide opening ceremony and inclusive walk to demonstrate their participation in Special Olympics MA’s Unified Champion Schools program.

Diana Hill is a Special Education teacher at Wilmington High School and a co-organizer of the Wilmington and Burlington Unified School Day Games which typically happens each spring.

Unified Sports in schools, high schools, middle schools, or elementary schools is a program that can make a student with a disability feel included, spread awareness, and help change the life of any athlete that participates in the program.