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Unified Schools

A program designed to promote social inclusion and social-emotional learning through inclusive sport.
A teenage boy sits at a desk with his peer, smiling at the camera. He holds a pen in his hand, touching a notebook on his desk. There room is full of youth and adults at desks in the background.
Community Impact

Advocating Inclusion: The Story of Sahil and His Mother

Sahil's mother has watched her son Sahil, who has Down Syndrome, grow into a confident and social Youth Leader since Play Unified: Learn Unified was introduced to his school.
2 Min Read
A group of seven people, wearing face masks and bundled up for the cold, stand together in a park. There are six young men and women, and one adult.
Community Impact

Bonding through Walk and Talks: The Story of Morocco

Special Olympics Morocco is meshing inclusion efforts with Moroccan culture through weekly "Walk and Talks" with athletes and Unified partners.
2 Min Read
A girl around 14 years old stands inside at school, wearing school clothes. She smiles and gives peace signs with both hands.
Community Impact

Changing Views of Self and Others: The Story of Shiyu, a Youth Leader

Special Olympics China Athlete and Youth Leader Shiyu reflects on the impact of Unified Sports on her life.
3 Min Read
A teenage girl jumps to take a basketball shot as a teenage boy jumps in front of her to block it, while a few teammates and coaches look on. They are on an indoor basketball court with Special Olympics and Stavros Niarchos Foundation banners.
Community Impact

Hosting the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games: The Story of the City of Kazan

Play Unified: Learn Unified sustains momentum in Russia as Kazan prepares to host the World Winter Games in January 2022.
1 Min Read
Doctor warms up for practice after school.
Community Impact

Thriving in a Refugee Camp: The Story of Doctor, an Athlete

Doctor, an athlete in Kenya's Kakuma Refugee Camp, has grown as a teammate, leader, and friend thanks to the Play Unified: Learn Unified initiative.
3 Min Read
Play Unified: Learn Unified's Transformative Global Impact
Community Impact

Play Unified: Learn Unified's Transformative Global Impact

Over the last three years, the Play Unified: Learn Unified initiative has helped create nearly 2,000 new Unified Schools in 14 Programs, driving inclusion for youth with and without intellectual disabilities around the world.
A group of six wearing matching lime green jerseys smiles, holding a sign with their school’s name, and a football jersey. They are in a large gymnasium filled with people.
Community Impact

Special Olympics Brazil Partners with Rio de Janeiro Ministry of Education

Unified physical education classes aid policy efforts to serve as catalyst for truly inclusive schools in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
3 Min Read
One woman and two men, masked and dressed professionally, hold a banner with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and Special Olympics logos on it.
Community Impact

Inclusion Revolution Breakthrough Led by Special Olympics Morocco

The Play Unified: Learn Unified project in Morocco is driving inclusive education policy.
3 Min Read
Two Youth Leaders face each other, one sitting on the ground in sit-up position and one standing up. The youth on the ground is handing a medicine ball to his partner as a part of a workout.
Community Impact

Youth Leaders from Egypt Strengthen Bond Through Unified Fitness Challenge

In February 2021, Youth Leaders in Egypt planned and participated in the country's first ever Unified Fitness Challenge.
2 Min Read
Priyanka, a young girl, stands against a wall in a Special Olympics Bharat Haryana green polo shirt.
Community Impact

Finding Her Voice Through Unified Sports

In a remote town in Haryana, Bharat, Unified Schools and Sports are helping youth with and without disabilities find confidence and acceptance.
2 Min Read
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