In the heart of its region, YangLingZi School serves as a model of Unified Champion Schools, a place where students of all abilities come together to learn, play, and grow side by side.
YangLingZi School exemplifies Unified Champion Schools through students like Chang, a story of transformation through Special Olympics. When Chang first arrived at YangLingZi, he was a quiet, reserved student, uncertain about participating in Unified Sports. Yet, over time, that hesitation faded. Supported by teachers who saw his potential, Chang began to embrace the sense of belonging fostered by the Unified Champion School model. Playing alongside peers, he discovered his own confidence, realizing he could contribute just as much as anyone else.
Chang’s growth didn’t end with sports. He took on leadership roles, even spearheading a project funded by an innovation grant, aimed at inclusive employment. "At first, I didn’t think I could do it," he reflects, "but my teachers believed in me, and I wanted to be a part of something that creates positive change."
Through YangLingZi’s "Wisdom Tree" Disability Service Center, Chang developed practical skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership. The center simulates real-life work environments, preparing students for the world beyond school. Today, Chang is a vocal advocate for inclusion, sharing his journey from shy participant to confident leader, and inspiring others to find their own strengths.
Students like Chang create a ripple effect throughout the community, showing that inclusion empowers everyone involved. Unified Champion Schools ensure that the values of respect, empathy, and teamwork are instilled in every student. For Chang, and so many others, school isn’t just a place to learn, it’s a launching pad to a life of confidence, purpose, and inclusion.
YangLingZi's mission is a simple but powerful principle: "zero restriction and rejection." Promoted by Special Olympics China, this belief isn’t just a policy, it’s a way of life. Every student, regardless of their abilities, is valued, and in return, they thrive. “As long as they are given the right platform and support to grow, every student can shine and create their own value in learning, sports, work, and daily life,” a YangLingZi teacher explains.
Unified Champion Schools, like YangLingZi, tailor its approach to every student’s stage of development, from the youngest in the Young Athletes Program to older students in vocational training. For the younger children, they gather for games that focus as much on social development as athletic skills. The sound of laughter and the sight of children running and cheering is a testament to the bonds they’re forming, bonds that often last well beyond the playground.
At YangLingZi, as students grow older, the school broadens their experiences by connecting them with peers from over 10 local schools through interschool activities. These interactions go beyond just playing together; students begin to build meaningful relationships across school communities. Unified Sports programs break down social barriers and foster a spirit of collaboration, demonstrating the power of inclusion in education.
For vocational training-aged students, the experience becomes even more impactful. Some take on leadership roles, volunteering to work with younger students with intellectual disabilities. Through this, they gain invaluable skills in leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. These experiences prepare them for a future where they don’t just experience inclusion—they help create it. Unified Champion Schools offer more than just sports. Students are encouraged to explore their talents in the arts, music, and leadership, showing student’s abilities are as diverse as they are.
During a recent competition, YangLingZi commitment to inclusion shone brightly. The principal was honored as a torch runner, and students performed at the opening ceremony and contributed artwork, proving that they were part of something bigger. "We were nervous at first," one student recalled, "but when we saw the crowd cheering, we knew we were part of something bigger."
The school’s inclusive approach has a profound impact on both students and educators. For teachers, it fosters a deeper understanding of how to create environments where every student can succeed. For students without intellectual disabilities, participating in Unified Sports and activities teaches them empathy, teamwork, and the value of inclusion. Meanwhile, for students with intellectual disabilities, sports serve as a gateway to self-confidence, helping them recognize their potential both on and off the field.
"We want our students to understand that inclusion doesn’t end when they leave this school—it’s something they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives," says YangLingZi’s principal.
