Unified Champion Schools - SOMD Virtual MOVEment

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Special Olympics Maryland is committed to the growth and development of interactive inclusive school programming throughout the state. ALL students should feel like there is a place for them within their own learning environment. Unified Champion Schools help to provide opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to experience inclusion at their own school through programs such as Unified Sports/Activities, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole School Engagement. Let us help you create a school environment where opportunity is not limited by disability.

Engagement Opportunities

Additional Resources

Unified Sports & Activities

Inclusive Youth Leadership

Whole School Engagement

Unified Sports & Activities

Unified Sports provides a means which brings together students with and without disabilities in a fulfilling inclusive experience. Unified Sports teams are composed of a proportional number of students with intellectual disabilities, with other types of disabilities, and without disabilities who train and compete together on the same team.

Unified Sports & Activities in Maryland

SOMD Fall Move Challenge

For the next 6 weeks, Special Olympics Maryland and other schools throughout the state are to compete in the Special Olympics Maryland Unified MOVE Challenge!

Sample School Messaging

For the next 6 weeks, our [school name] community is joining Special Olympics Maryland and other schools throughout the state to compete in the Special Olympics Maryland Unified MOVE Challenge! This challenge is designed to offer a space of inclusion by forming Unified teams of 2 to 10 participants and tracking minutes of intentional physical activity and exercise.

Our goal is to show our school-wide commitment to inclusive fitness practices while also competing with other students and schools throughout the state of Maryland. This challenge runs from Monday, November 1st to Sunday, December 12th, let's show our (insert school mascot) spirit!

Why should you MOVE?

Physical activity and exercise is one of the best ways to improve an individual's overall health and wellness.
Exercise is best defined as planned, structured, and intentional movement intended to improve one’s physical fitness. Exercise will help improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition.
Did you know...Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance, and classroom behavior.

Let’s prove that [school name] chooses to include! Now, let's get MOVING!

Sample Social Media Messaging

Hey (insert school mascot), did you know that from Monday, November 1st to Sunday, December 12th we will be participating in the Special Olympics Maryland Unified MOVE Challenge? Check out these resources to learn more and get ready to MOVE!! https://bit.ly/3AW7jhy #InclusiveHealth #MOVESOMD
Looking for more ways to get moving throughout the day? (insert school name) and Special Olympics Maryland encourages you to check out these AWESOME resources to help you get MOVING! #InclusiveHealth #MOVESOMD
From November 1st to December 12th, (insert school name) will be participating in the Special Olympics Maryland Unified MOVE Challenge. This 6 week challenge is designed to get our school MOVING while competing against other students and schools throughout the state of Maryland. Go (insert school mascot)! #InclusiveHealth #MOVESOMD

Morning Announcements

Good morning/Hello, (school mascot)! For the next 6 weeks, we will have students participating in the Special Olympics Maryland Unified MOVE Challenge! This challenge is comprised of both students with and without disabilities and is a great way towards building a more inclusive world for people of ALL abilities. So here are some interesting facts about the importance of exercise and physical activity:

(Choose some or all of these facts to read):

1. Physical activity keeps the body strong and healthy and can improve mental health by decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain, and loneliness
2. Physical activity can also improve focus, school performance, sleep, and energy levels

Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years should do at least an average of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise per day.

Regular Physical Activity can:
1. Improve muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness
2. Improve bone health
3. Reduce the risk of various secondary conditions (such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and depression)
4. Help maintain a healthy body weight
5. Increase cognitive performance
6. And reduce adiposity (aka body fat)

How to Get Involved

Special Olympics Maryland Unified MOVE Challenge: Learn about the various benefits of exercise and physical activity and why it's so important to get our students MOVING throughout the day.

Get outside! If it is a nice day, have class outside to allow students to walk and learn all at the same time.
Get that sidewalk chalk out! Reserve a part of your school’s parking lot or sidewalk that people will see, and have everybody write out their favorite ways to get MOVING. This will be a great opportunity for others to gain inspiration and try new ways to exercise.
- #InclusiveHealth
- #MOVESOMD
- #MOVEUnified
- #UCS
- #ExperienceInclusion
Offer before or after school Unified Fitness Clubs that offer students an opportunity to participate in physical activity of their choice. Get creative!
We encourage you to take a look at our website and check out our MOVE Challenge Resources! These will provide you with all the tools necessary to help your school take part in this Challenge! (Flyer Link, Activity Tracker, School Resource Guide and Registration Link)

As you complete activities, please post pictures to SOMD Virtual Movement Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2863037773816713) using hashtags #InclusiveHealth and #MOVESOMD. If you’re using Instagram or Twitter, please tag @SPOlympicsMD and #MOVESOMD. No Social Media? No problem? Email pictures to healthyathletes@somd.org for us to include in our social media!

Schools are invited to participate in the SOMD Maryland Move Challenge, a 6-week movement challenge that measures minutes of exercise and intentional physical activity. Using a state-wide leaderboard, students can track their progress against other teams throughout schools in Maryland! Participants have the opportunity to earn great incentives for them and their schools! Use the above activities to get your classroom or school engaged.If you have any questions please check out the School Staff Resource Guide please reach out to Kayla Shields at kshields@somd.org

Inclusive Youth Leadership

Inclusive youth leadership is when young people of all abilities are given opportunities to be leaders in their schools and communities. These leadership activities help students find their voices and teach them to become change agents in their communities by promoting equity and acceptance. Social inclusion is best fostered when activities within the classroom, school, and community are designed and implemented by a diverse group of students within a school. A socially inclusive school ensures every student is given an opportunity to contribute due to the unique skills and qualities they bring to the work.

Whole School Engagement

Whole School Engagement activities positively impact school climate by including all students, teachers, staff, administrators. An inclusive school climate that fosters understanding and respect for all can influence how students think and act within and beyond the school. School-wide opportunities focused on social inclusion raise awareness and create an educational environment where respect and acceptance are the norm and all students feel included and engaged.

Click here to visit our Current Campaigns page to see current Whole School Engagement opportunities

The Maryland Banner Recognition Program

The Maryland Banner Recognition Program is an accolade designed to highlight and distinguish Unified Champion Schools that go above and beyond the standard each (school) year. All Maryland schools are eligible for the Maryland Recognition Program and are encouraged to pursue this accolade annually by implementing three components and demonstrating a commitment to sustaining and expanding Unified Champion Schools programming throughout Maryland. Get started today by completing the School Intent Form. Part 1 of this form is due no later than March 1 to be eligible for the 2021-2022 school year.

Component 1 – Unified Sports and Activity

Schools will participate in at least two of the Unified Sports & Activities – i.e. Unified Sports and/or activities such as Interscholastic Unified Sports, Young Athletes Program, Unified Physical Education, Unified Dance, intramural Unified Sports. Additionally, the school will demonstrate a commitment to Healthy Communities by participating in at least ONE Unified Health & Fitness offerings; for example, Maryland MOVE Challenge, 90 Day Fit 5 Fitness Challenge, or schools are welcome to incorporate health and wellness into their typical meetings and happenings, e.g. walk during club meetings, for 6 or more weeks. Note: the use of the term “Unified” may not demonstrate satisfaction of this component. SOMD may need to confirm the prescribed standards, as defined by the governing body and/or Special Olympics regulations; e.g. General Rules, Article 1, Unified Physical Education Resources.

Component 2 – Inclusive Youth Leadership

The school sponsors a Unified Clubs, inclusive student council, or similar types of inclusive student group, composed of students with and without intellectual disabilities, with everyone contributing in a meaningful way. This group works to lead advocacy, awareness, inclusion, and other activities throughout the school year that supports the Mission of Special Olympics. It is critical and required that every club member contributes in a meaningful way. Schools that do not have a Unified Club will take concerted action in the direction of bringing the club to fruition by participating in at lease two of the following: Certified Athlete Leader guest speaker⁺, Concierge Training⁺, General Volunteer training⁺, Health and Fitness Leadership Training⁺, Personal Development Leadership Trainings, Unified Team Captains, and/or Youth Leadership Summit (exclusive to high school student).

^{+ - denotes trainings conducted by SOMD; requestschedule trainings by going to}^{https://bit.ly/21-22LTRs}^.

Component 3 – Whole School Engagement

The school must participate in at least three Whole School Engagement (WSE) activity designed around Whole School Engagement that promotes and encourages awareness, respect, and inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities. Of the three, one must be Health-focused. Schools are encouraged to “sponsor” WSE activities that will best reach their community. Novice options include recognizing the Unified Sports team members in the same fashion as varsity sports teams at pep rallies and other celebrations or announcing final scores of competitions during the morning announcements. Schools should make every effort to sponsor Maryland-preferred Unified Champions Whole School Events; i.e. Unity Day, Inclusive Schools Week, Cool Schools Plunge, Spread the Word >> Inclusion Day (typically the first Wednesday in March).

Sustainability

The school will demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, sustainability, longevity, and the Special Olympics Mission by making a prescribed minimum donation to Maryland Unified Champion Schools. The donation will be used to continue and expand school-based and community programming. Monetary andor in-kind donations are welcome! The prescribed minimum donations are set by level – high schools = $1,500; middle schools = $750; elementary schools = $250.

A fun, proven way to rally student interest while fundraising is the Cool Schools Plunge - to learn more, visit: COOL SCHOOLS PLUNGE

School Intent Form

Fact Sheet

Questions/concerns? We are happy to help! Please email the Maryland Unified Champion Schools Team at ucs@somd.org.

Get Involved

Complete the form below to join Special Olympics Maryland in efforts to make inclusion a reality for all people with and without intellectual disabilities.

First Name *

Last Name *

School / Organization *

What’s your affiliation at the identified school? * What’s your affiliation at the identified school?

Email *

Phone

I’d like to be added to the following Special Olympics Maryland communications:

Volunteer Opportunities with my local county program; e.g. coaches, team admin support, chaperones.

Volunteer Opportunities supporting the state program; e.g. event volunteers, admin support.

Area Memo distribution - a bi-weekly email update

IMPACT Newsletter - a quarterly distribution via Mail Chimp focusing on celebrations, highlights, starting with a "President's Message"

Unified Champion Schools Newsletter- a monthly distribution with school specific information such as whole school engagement celebrations, inclusive student leadership opportunities, and other SOMD highlights

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As a lifelong educator and an advocate for all children, it is a testament to a lifelong commitment to help children see the world around them as a place where everyone is valued.

Heather Hobbs

Administrator, Twin Ridge Elementary

It benefits ALL students involved. Friendships are created, empathy is increased and differences are appreciated. It is the RIGHT thing to do!

Deb Marcus

Staff, Anne Arundel County Public Schools

I choose inclusion because no one deserves to feel out of place or inferior to others. Well are all better off when everyone can participate meaningfully in the community!!

Jackson Murphy

Student, Crofton High School

To work together and be a team. So kids can know they are wanted and to spread positivity and love were it is most needed.

Eowyn Angle

Student, Old Mill High School

I think its a good way to learn about the people around you.

Shannon Koenig

Student, Linganore High School

Everyone has a unique gift. We are a stronger, kinder, and happier community when those gifts are welcomed and shared.

Kelle Brumley

Staff, Catoctin High School

I have Down Syndrome and I like to be included so I want to include others too! It makes me happy!

Chase Ward

Student, Chesapeake High School

UCS Merchandise

We are excited to officially open our Special Olympics Maryland Unified Champion Schools online merchandise store. Now you can show your pride and purchase a variety of merchandise at reasonable prices. Whether you are a fan in the stands, a volunteer, an athlete, unified partner or a family member, there is something for everyone in our store. We'll be adding more merchandise so be sure to check back!”

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