Salem-Keizer Schools Earn National Unified Champion Banners

Nine schools across the district have been recognized with National Unified Champion School banners, a distinction that highlights a deep commitment to creating school communities where inclusion is more than a goal; it’s the culture.

The recognition comes from Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, a program that brings together students with and without disabilities through sports, leadership and schoolwide activities that promote inclusion.

Key areas of commitment

To earn a National Unified Champion banner, schools must demonstrate an ongoing commitment in three key areas: Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership and whole-school engagement.

Unified Sports brings students of all abilities together to practice and compete as teammates during the sports season. These teams are supported by trained coaches and recognized by schools in the same way as other athletics programs.

Student leadership and engagement

Schools also support inclusive student leadership through Unified Clubs or student groups that meet regularly during the school year. These clubs give students with and without disabilities opportunities to work together, plan events and lead activities that promote understanding and connection across their school community.

Whole-school engagement is another key piece. Schools host at least two schoolwide awareness activities each year, many of which are planned and led by students themselves.

“We see students becoming more aware of others who may be different from them. They learn to communicate in different ways and develop more empathy.”
Amanda Burke, Program Associate-Unified Lead

Expanding the program

Two Salem-Keizer Unified program coaches were selected as part of a group of 14 from around the world for a specialized training opportunity in partnership with Nike, reflecting the strength and scale of the district’s Unified programs.

District leaders hope to continue expanding Unified opportunities so that every school can be part of the effort.

At its core, the work is about connection. “We are building such an inclusive community,” Amanda said. “Unified isn’t just for students in special education — it’s for everybody.”