Special Olympics

The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion and creating school climates of acceptance. With sports as a foundation, students with disabilities are routinely included in and feel a part of all activities, opportunities, and functions.

As Unified Champion Schools our Owasso High School and Seventh Grade Center have made a commitment to implement the three core components of the U.C.S. program. We promote Unified Sports where students with and without disabilities train and compete side-by-side developing athletic skills and forming friendships. Through sports, they foster respect for each other and become leaders off and on the court. The second component is Inclusive Youth Leadership where all students work together to become agents of change in their school and community. Finally, our U.C.S. schools have made a commitment to Whole School Engagement activities that focus on social inclusion, raise awareness, and create an educational environment where respect and acceptance are the norms for all students.

We are proud of Owasso High School for being recognized on the 2019 ESPN Honor Roll which selects the top 34 schools across the country who have achieved status as a National Banner Unified Champion School. This honor signifies that Owasso High School has demonstrated a commitment to inclusion by meeting all 10 standards of excellence.

Our Special Olympics team trains throughout the year we compete in a variety of sports. We have athletes and Unified Partners who participate in track and field events, bocce, basketball, flag football, volleyball, swimming, bowling, and soccer. Our primary focus is on Unified Sports which allows students with and without disabilities to train and compete together as teammates.

One of the highlights of the Special Olympics experience is State Games in Stillwater, which are held on the campus of Oklahoma State University in May. During our three days, the athletes and Unified Partners compete in their events, stay in the dorms, participate in Opening Ceremony, have lunch at Eskimo Joes, visit the Olympic Village, and attend Celebration Night activities. Many of our athletes and Unified Partners come home with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals but more importantly, they all come home with lasting memories.

All of our programs and activities are provided free of charge to our athletes, Unified Partners, and their families. We are funded entirely through donations and fundraisers which are held throughout the year. We are grateful for the support and generosity of our community! We are exceptionally proud of our partnership with the Owasso Fraternal Order of Police and the sponsorship we receive through their Cops for Kids campaign.