Every child deserves the opportunity to feel included, build friendships and experience the joy of sports. Through a grant from Variety – the Children's Charity of Iowa, Special Olympics Iowa is expanding opportunities for children and students of all abilities to participate, grow and thrive.
The grant supports two important initiatives: Unified Champion Schools® and Young Athletes Play Days, both designed to introduce children to inclusive sports, physical activity and meaningful connections at an early age.
Special Olympics Iowa provides year-round sports training, athletic competition and inclusive programming for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Through the power of sports, the organization promotes acceptance, encourages personal growth and creates opportunities for individuals of all abilities to experience the joy of participation and achievement.
Creating Inclusive Schools Through Unified Sports
Through Unified Champion Schools®, students with and without intellectual disabilities come together through inclusive sports, youth leadership and schoolwide engagement. These programs help create school environments where every student feels welcomed, valued and included.
Across Iowa, the impact of these opportunities is already making a difference.
At the University of Iowa, students in the REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) program are finding opportunities to grow, connect and compete through Unified Sports. This year, students have participated in football, volleyball, bowling, basketball and soccer, building skills and friendships along the way.
Their hard work is already making an impact. At a Special Olympics Regional Flag Football Tournament hosted by the University of Nebraska, the UI REACH team earned three wins and one loss, finishing second overall. Emmitt McConville also earned the tournament's Most Valuable Player award!
The team has even more to look forward to, with plans to travel to Minneapolis to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Meanwhile, in northeast Iowa, Decorah High School is demonstrating how the impact of Unified Sports extends well beyond the playing field.
After a year-and-a-half of dedicated work by students, staff and school leadership, Decorah High School earned National Unified Champion School recognition in 2025. This distinction recognizes schools that promote inclusion through Unified Sports, student leadership and whole-school engagement.
The school's Unified Champions group brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to plan activities and create opportunities for meaningful connections. Together, students launched an annual Inclusion Week, organized Unified basketball games alongside varsity athletes, introduced a Homecoming flag football game featuring Special Olympics athletes and senior football players, and hosted Unified relay races during home track meets.
The students also organized a Cool School Polar Plunge, raising more than $15,000 to support Special Olympics Iowa and Decorah's Unified Champions program.
For students, the impact is about so much more than winning games or earning recognition. It's about having the opportunity to participate alongside classmates, build relationships and feel a sense of belonging.
"Being a Unified Champion means that I get the wonderful opportunity to participate with my classmates, creating long-lasting relationships and memories," shared Decorah senior Ari Albert.
Building Confidence from an Early Age
The impact of Special Olympics Iowa begins long before children reach school age.
Through Young Athletes Play Days, children ages 2–7 have opportunities to develop foundational motor skills, build confidence and engage with their peers through fun, developmentally appropriate activities.
These events also provide families with opportunities to connect with Special Olympics Iowa and learn about additional resources and programs available to their children.
By introducing inclusive play and physical activity at an early age, Special Olympics Iowa is helping children build important skills while creating a foundation for future friendships, participation and success.
Creating Opportunities for Everyone
From early childhood play days to inclusive school programs and collegiate athletics, Special Olympics Iowa is demonstrating the power of creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to feel included, build friendships and experience the joy of sports," said John Kliegl of Special Olympics Iowa. "Thanks to the generosity of Variety – the Children's Charity of Iowa, we can continue expanding opportunities for young athletes and students across the state."
Through Variety's support, Special Olympics Iowa can continue building opportunities for children and students to participate, connect and thrive.
Because it's about more than a game. It's about creating communities where everyone belongs.
