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? 

1. Physical activity and exercise is one of the best ways to improve an individual's overall health and wellness. 
2. 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. 
3. 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!

• 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

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. 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. 

1. 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)

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!