Wanting to facilitate opportunities for young people to demonstrate and grow their leadership skills, the Raising Awareness with Unified Leadership project created inclusive sessions to promote Unified Leadership, Unified Sports, and community engagement. Activities ranged from sports to cognitive engagement, granting both youth with and without IDD to grow as leaders in various areas of their lives, encouraging growth in confidence and empathy.
Both Hee Jun and Jun Hyung attended the International Music & Art Festival - Mini Special Olympics in 2023, where they witnessed the transformative power of inclusion. They were inspired by the joy and collaboration shared among athletes, volunteers, mentors, and families throughout the event. Motivated by this experience, they came together to inspire and empower the next generation of inclusive leaders.
The youth leaders were supported by adult mentors who helped the program flow smoothly. By recognizing each participant’s unique strengths and needs, mentors provided individualized guidance and created a well-structured environment for learning and growth.
The project brought together adolescents from the local community to develop leadership skills through education, experiential learning, and peer engagement. Across 25 leadership sessions, Hee Jun and Jun Hyung led a variety of activities, including large-group instruction, small-group discussions, and individualized support.

The program also provided two inclusive leadership opportunities where participants applied their skills in real-world settings. The project concluded with an overnight Integrated Leadership Sharing Camp, where participants reflected on their experiences, celebrated their growth, and strengthened their leadership skills. Through collaboration and shared learning, the 20 participants built confidence, developed meaningful connections, and grew into one Unified team.
Hee Jun and Jun Hyung’s project maintained a high attendance rate, and participants consistently demonstrated enthusiasm, commitment, and active engagement. In addition to building their leadership skills, participants improved their relationship skills, both youth with and without IDD becoming a close-knit community.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of the program was witnessing participants becoming true leaders: not simply by title, but by their passion and dedication. As participants progressed throughout the program, their growth in confidence, leadership, and interpersonal skills became increasingly evident. The strong bonds they formed created a supportive environment where youth encouraged each other with their creativity and kindness. These lasting relationships and personal achievements represent the powerful impact of equipping youth with a platform and space to learn from each other.
As Hee Jun reflected, “Through various activities, we became one, like a team working together in a tug-of-war,” this project brought together youth to experience the spirit of unity, friendship, and Unified Leadership. The youth leaders note one participant’s growth throughout the program. In the beginning, he was quiet and hesitated to participate. But over time, he began assisting mentors in class preparations and even supported fellow peers who needed assistance. By the end of the program, he had become one of the most active participants, confidently sharing his ideas. While the program has concluded, Hee Jun and Jun Hyung aim to continue building the leadership of individuals in their community, bringing unity and inclusion.