South Kingstown High School has been named a Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics of Rhode Island. This title is awarded to schools that exemplify inclusion and have implemented ten standards underneath four headings put forth by the Special Olympics. The first is the implementation of Unified Sports, they must be offered for at least two seasons throughout the school, and participation must occur regularly throughout each sport season and include competition. An adult coach for each sport must have received training in Special Olympics Unified Sports. Unified Sports is officially recognized by the school in a similar style to other athletics/activities.
The second heading states that there must also be inclusive youth leadership. A Unified Club or student group offers leadership opportunities/training for students with and without intellectual disabilities. The inclusive group must meet at least once per month throughout the school year. The inclusive group has an adult liaison and is officially recognized by the school in a similar style as other clubs/activities.
Third and this is super important there must be engagement by the whole school. At least two whole-school engagement activities must be implemented per school year, and students with and without disabilities must be involved in planning and leading the awareness activities. Finally, the school must have a plan for sustaining these standards in the future.
There are only two schools in the State of Rhode Island that have met these standards and requirements in 2022 and they are East Greenwich and South Kingstown. South Kingstown is committed to its programs and has demonstrated all of the standards in its application to the Special Olympics of Rhode Island. There was a Spring Sports Pep Rally and banner-raising celebration on March 31st in the gymnasium that was organized and implemented by the Unified Sports athletes.
South Kingstown High School exemplifies inclusion and according to the President of Special Olympics RI Edwin Pacheco “You live in the moment and you live to embrace one another and support one another, you all deserve that opportunity to be recognized for your efforts through that banner that’s hanging on that wall”.
The students and faculty of South Kingstown High School have created a community that includes every student and supports and cares for every student. Stacie Zamperini said in her speech during the banner ceremony that she “wouldn’t be able to do this without Coach Amber, Coach Kim, and Coach Cruz. I'm so proud of South Kingstown High School, our teachers, staff, coaches and of course the students, you make this possible.”
The atmosphere at the Unified Sports and Spring Sports Pep Rally and Banner celebration was electric and for good reason. Every student at the school earned this banner and should be proud of their accomplishment.