Special Olympics College Programming
Special Olympics college programming falls under the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® (UCS) umbrella. All U.S. postsecondary institutions (colleges, universities, community colleges, junior colleges, etc.) with Special Olympics college programming, including Special Olympics Unified Sports®, inclusive leadership and whole campus engagement, are following the Special Olympics UCS model.
Unified Intramurals
- Drake
- Iowa State University
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
Special Olympics and NIRSA Partnership
The partnership between Special Olympics and NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, promotes social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences. Special Olympics Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team.
It is inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. At the college level, it focuses on building relationships between college students, with and without intellectual disabilities, and local Special Olympics Iowa athletes of similar age.
Resources for SO College
- Special Olympics Unified Sports Intramural Guide Introduction and overview to implement Unified Sports on campus through campus recreation department.
- National Standards for College/University National School Recognition Program College/University standards of excellence.
- Special Olympics College Club Branding Complete guide to branding for Special Olympics College Clubs.
- Special Olympics College Interest Form We look forward to hearing from you!
Get Involved
Special Olympics College programing is an excellent way to engage in the community. If you would like to take part in activities with one of our existing programs, or would like to start a club on your campus, contact:
Krista Smith, Director of Unified Programs
515-986-5520