Special Olympics International announced that Manatee Bay Elementary School was designated an official Special Olympics national banner Unified Champion School. This prestigious designation recognizes the school’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their abilities.
Manatee Bay Elementary was formally recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. The ceremony took place at the school and highlighted the impact the students and faculty make on every child’s life.
As a Unified Champion School, Manatee Bay Elementary has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to inclusion by implementing a variety of initiatives that promote acceptance and understanding among all students. The school is one of only 165 schools in the nation and 13 schools in Florida to earn this distinction for its unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their abilities.
“We are incredibly proud to be named a Special Olympics Unified Champion School,” said Manatee Bay Elementary School Principal Heather Hedman-DeVaughn. “This designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students, who are committed to creating a truly inclusive school community.”
A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition must demonstrate commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence.
The primary activities within these standards include Special Olympics Unified Sports®, where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates, Inclusive Youth Leadership and Whole-School Engagement. Banner Unified Champion Schools also demonstrate they are self-sustainable or have a plan in place to sustain these activities into the future.
