Delivered through the Youth Sport Trust Lead Inclusion School network, the programme helps schools build inclusive environments where all young people feel valued, connected and able to thrive. Through unified sport festivals, youth leadership opportunities and whole-school activities, pupils develop friendships, teamwork skills and a stronger sense of belonging.
Developed by Special Olympics Great Britain and delivered in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, the programme supports schools to embed inclusion beyond sport and physical activity. By bringing young people together through shared experiences, Unified Champion Schools helps break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create school communities where every pupil feels respected, included and able to reach their potential.
How it Works
The Unified Champion Schools programme uses sport and youth leadership to bring pupils with and without SEND together. Through shared experiences, young people develop friendships, understanding and a stronger sense of belonging.
1. Join unified festivals
Take part in inclusive sport festivals where pupils from different schools play, learn and compete together.
2. Build new friendships
Create opportunities for young people to connect, work as a team and develop mutual understanding.
3. Develop young leaders
Empower pupils to champion inclusion through leadership roles, teamwork and positive role modelling.
4. Lead change locally
Young leaders deliver activities in school that promote inclusion, belonging and social connection.
5. Embed inclusive practice
Schools receive support to create lasting inclusive approaches to sport, play and physical activity.
Impact and Benefits
The Unified Champion Schools programme helps create more inclusive school communities, delivering benefits for pupils, staff and the wider school environment.
Benefits include:
- Creates opportunities for meaningful interaction between pupils with and without SEND
- Promotes friendship, teamwork and mutual respect
- Supports positive wellbeing and a sense of belonging
- Develops youth leadership skills and pupil voice
- Strengthens whole-school approaches to inclusion.
Pupils who have taken part said:
- "It’s been an amazing experience, a lot of fun."
- "I think it’s fun that everyone plays, because you get introduced to new people and you’re making more friends."
- "I’ve enjoyed it. It’s built my sense of friendship and community in the team and communication with people."
Ways to Access
Schools can access the Unified Champion Schools programme through the Youth Sport Trust Lead Inclusion School network. Participating schools have opportunities to engage in unified sport festivals, develop young leaders and embed inclusive practices across their school community.
A supporting resource is also available to help schools align Unified Champion Schools with the RSE (Relationship and Sex Education) and Health curriculum guidance in England. It includes classroom activities that promote the unified values, helping school staff embed the principles of inclusion across the whole school.
To find out more about the programme or discuss opportunities for involvement, please contact the programme team
Why it Matters
Research shows that children and young people with learning disabilities continue to face significant barriers to inclusion.
- Almost 9 in 10 people with a learning disability reported experiencing bullying or harassment within the previous year (Mencap, Living in Fear, 2019).
- Young people who had experienced bullying reported lower levels of wellbeing (The SEND Futures Discovery Phase Study, 2022).
- Creating environments where young people feel they belong is critical to improving wellbeing, participation and positive outcomes.
The Unified Champion Schools programme addresses these challenges by using sport and play to bring young people together, helping schools create more inclusive environments where every pupil can be themselves and feel they belong.
Get in touch
Ready to bring Unified Champions to your school? Contact our inclusion team.
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