Unified Champions is an organization designed to promote inclusion and teamwork among students with and without intellectual disabilities. This initiative encourages participation in sports, fostering friendships, understanding, and respect through shared athletic experiences. Main components of the local chapter include unified sports, leadership opportunities, community engagement, spreading awareness, and hosting social events throughout the school year.
“I’ve enjoyed my years as our [Unified Champions] President. Because I was the first, there were many road bumps, however I believe that it was a positive year. Our athletes grew, we all learned about leadership together, as athletes and members, and the student body recognized the program,” former Unified Champions president and alum Hannah Young said. “I am very proud of all past, present and future officers as their continued hard work and dedication to inclusion is being continued.”
The Unified Champions organization dedicates itself to unifying teams where athletes and students with intellectual disabilities compete as partners in athletic events. These diverse teams participate in various sporting events such as bowling, basketball, and track & field events. Students keen in promoting inclusion can participate in these chapter-organized sporting events and educate themselves in inclusion.
“Students that are interested in getting involved can see information on posters around the hallways and on the TV screens at lunch,” Unified Champions Vice President Lillian Smith said. “Our main goal for Unified Champions this year of is to spread our message of inclusivity, encourage more students to join our team, and promote our chapter opportunities.”
In Unified Champions, there are numerous opportunities available for students to enhance their leadership skills. Students are also encouraged to take on leadership roles within the chapter by organizing events, practices, and community activities, such as the annual banquet, ‘food truck’, and other similar events, which also help raise awareness about inclusivity. With the wide range of benefits and opportunities Unified Champions has to offer, many students find it to be a truly captivating organization to be a part of.
“Last year’s President, Grace, inspired me [to become an officer], as did my cousin who has severe autism,” Unified Champions President Kaylee Yuan said. “When you surround yourself with the athletes, you don’t realize how fast the time passes because you enjoy being connected with these amazing people.”
The chapter often engages with the local community through sponsoring efforts and volunteer opportunities aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities beyond just athletics. Unified Champions also partakes in the annual BFF Festival at Burleson and hosts the end-of-year Better Together Track Meet.
“As a team, we organize multiple annual events From the Better Together Track Meet to the BFF Dance and even after-school holiday parties,” Yuan said. “It’s always great to see everyone smiling and enjoying each other’s company.”
Activities may also involve campaigns promoting acceptance and reducing any stigma associated with intellectual disabilities throughout the school environment. The Friendship Dance hosted by Unified Champions serves as the Prom for students with disabilities and student volunteers.
“Challenges people may face as a ‘UC’ Officer may be the long-term commitment to the success of the organization. Just like any good organization, Unified Champions must be cultivated and cultivation takes time and patience. If you have the drive to do it and the right guidance, your organization will succeed,” Young said. “That’s the reward of it all, the successes that you reach. It’s so rewarding to see smiles on athletes’ faces and see them not only win awards but grow as athletes and people.”
In addition to competitive sporting events, Unified Champions also participates in social gatherings, such as the annual Friendsgiving and Unified Christmas Party that help build camaraderie among participants—fostering lasting relationships both on and off the field, court, or track.
“The best part of being in the UCS Leadership Team is getting to meet so many new people and forming great friendships,” Smith said. “It is challenging to organize and plan events for Unified Champions, but rewarding to see the turnout and smiles on students faces.”
Overall, this initiative not only strengthens physical fitness but also cultivates an inclusive culture within the community while empowering students to be involved in a collaborative program. By embracing diversity and providing appropriate support, schools can ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential and become a valued member of the community. An inclusive environment ensures that these students have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside their peers, fostering a sense of belonging and maximizing their potential.
“Inclusion is not putting a group above the majority; it is integration within the majority,” Young said. “Remember to have compassion for others and understand that if you were the person wanting inclusion, you would want to be treated with compassion. The Golden Rule – we all know it.”
