Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education and Special Olympics Rwanda hosted the Excellence in Action: Expanding Unified Champion Schools Across Europe Eurasia workshop, with support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, an event aimed at introducing and expanding Unified Champion Schools (UCS) programming. The event brought together leaders, mentors, educators, and youth with and without intellectual disabilities from across Europe and Eurasia.
Hosted in Bucharest, Romania, this gathering aimed to strategize and plan the expansion of UCS programming throughout the region. Special Olympics Romania, the Regional Hub of Excellence, was recognized for its commitment to inclusion, receiving a certificate of appreciation from the UAE.
"When we enhance the quality of inclusion within our schools, we commit to education for all," remarked His Excellency Ambassador Sultan Mohamed Majed Al Ali, the UAE Ambassador to Romania.
Day 1
Participants from nine new UCS Programs, and 24 total, came together to explore key elements of UCS, with morning sessions focusing on Special Olympics Romania’s achievements over the past two decades. Afternoon discussions covered UCS components, including teacher engagement, youth leadership, Unified Sports, partnerships, and government support. Attendees also participated in presentations on AI and research, followed by a panel discussion on program synergies.
“The youth are our future, and they will be the ones who change the world. So, it is our responsibility to support and amplify their voices in our programs,” said Milana Jeremic of SO Serbia.
Day 2
The following day, the nine new Programs visited Colegiul National "Elena Cuza," a Unified Champion School in Bucharest. This visit offered participants a firsthand look at UCS in action, observing classrooms where youth with and without disabilities created art together and engaged in Unified Sports.
Alina, a Unified Partner, shared her experience: “At first I was scared to meet the students from the special school, but in the end, we created something beautiful together, and I realized that working with students with disabilities is something I want to do in the future.”
Special Olympics Global Coalition Sessions
The event also included Special Olympics Global Coalition sessions, where 14 Programs discussed strategies for building government partnerships to adopt UCS programming. These sessions provided participants with practical insights and reinforced the importance of collective action in promoting inclusive sports initiatives across Europe and Eurasia.
“Unified Champion Schools is far more than a program; it is a collection of important individual actions all designed to include those on the margins. It redefines what an inclusive school community looks like for the world. When we bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities in classrooms, sports, and leadership roles, we create connections. We create understanding.”
