Massachusetts 1 Project Unify

2 / Special Olympics Massachusetts

 Mission  The mission of Project Unify is to activate youth around the country in an effort to develop school communities where all young people are agents of change – fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities by utilizing the programs and initiatives of Special Olympics. Project Unify is a national project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. 3

4 / Special Olympics Program Name

‣ Students with and without intellectual disabilities participate in sports alongside each other through Unified Sports or an Inclusive Youth Athletes Program. ‣ Examples: ‣ Unified Sports ‣ Young Athletes (Ages 2-7) 5

‣ Provide students with and without intellectual disabilities opportunities to take on leadership roles to promote Project UNIFY activities in the school and in the community ‣ Examples ‣ Partner’s Clubs ‣ Teaming up with Best Buddies Clubs ‣ Youth Summits ‣ SOMA Youth Activation Council (YAC) 6

‣ When an entire school accepts and includes students and others with intellectual disabilities, it is a powerful community of change. ‣ Examples: ‣ “R-Word” Assemblies – Spread the Word to End the Word ‣ Fans in the Stands 7

‣ To bring together young people with and without intellectual disabilities from throughout Massachusetts to be the leaders of the Project Unify mission. ‣ Council members are between the ages of 14-22). ‣ Promote school communities that foster acceptance, respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities. 8

9 / Special Olympics Massachusetts

Massachusetts Thank you. Patti Doherty Youth Engagement and Schools Manager x