The project aimed to expand the Unified Schools movement within Special Olympics Venezuela by 2026. To achieve this goal, the youth leaders partnered with schools to introduce and strengthen inclusive opportunities for students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The youth leaders began by identifying and connecting with educational institutions, developing an action plan, and coordinating upcoming activities and events with school communities. They then conducted awareness sessions and workshops for students, teachers, and parents to highlight the importance of inclusion and introduce the work of Special Olympics Venezuela. These efforts were complemented by sports training, Unified Sports events, and social activities designed to bring students together and promote meaningful connections.

Beyond these planned activities, the youth leaders established partnerships with local organizations, collected interview testimonials, and developed educational and promotional materials to share the impact of their work. They also formed an advisory committee made up of school representatives, parents, inclusive education experts, and community members to help guide the project's continued development.
The inspiration for this project came from the belief that meaningful change begins at the school level and that every student deserves equal access to inclusive opportunities. Seeing students support, encourage, and grow alongside one another each day motivated the youth leaders to continue building a more inclusive school environment.
The project successfully incorporated four Unified Schools into the Special Olympics Venezuela movement. Beyond this achievement, the youth leaders established a “Network of Allied Schools and Coaches” to encourage collaboration among institutions and support the inclusion of students with IDD in sports and social activities.
The project continues to provide training and support to coaches and educators, ensuring that participants understand and apply the values of inclusion, respect, and acceptance. Through the continued growth of the Network of Allied Schools and Coaches, the youth leaders are helping create more inclusive and accessible environments where all students can participate and thrive.
One of the youth leaders’ favorite memories from the project was Unified Sports Day. Watching athletes participate in sports,challenge themselves, and achieve their goals was a powerful reminder of the impact of inclusion.

Reflecting on the project, the youth leaders shared that they are most proud of the shift in attitudes within schools and the broader community. The project demonstrated that inclusion is both achievable and beneficial for all students. Through this work, students have formed genuine friendships, supported one another, and become advocates for inclusion within their communities.