Cora, 17, is the elected student body president of her high school in Jefferson City, Missouri. As a Youth Leader, Cora has participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge and a Unified track meet at her school.
Cora noticed the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for students with and without intellectual disabilities to spend quantity time together at her school, especially in Unified activities. Cora also saw how other schools in the state were experiencing the same problem. In partnership with Special Olympics Missouri, Cora wants to develop a solution.
Cora’s high school will lead Missouri’s Association of Student Councils next year, and as student body president, Cora will oversee the organization a three-day convention at the school for 1,000 student leaders across the state. Cora’s school plans to dedicate one day of the convention to be a Play Unified Festival. At this festival, 100 Special Olympics athletes and many supporters will form Unified groups from the attendees of the convention, and everyone will participate in Zumba, bocce ball, and team-building activities. During the festival, Special Olympics athletes will also speak about their experiences and there will be a presentation on how to become a Unified School.
Through the Play Unified Festival, Cora hopes the student council groups become inspired by the fun event and feel energized to spread the message of inclusion to their own communities after the convention.