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.

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.} 

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).

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