Avondale School District is proud to announce that Avondale Unified Sports has been recognized by the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® National Recognition Program as a Unified Champion School—one of only seven public schools in Michigan to receive this honor in 2025, and just two schools in Oakland County.
This prestigious recognition goes beyond athletics. While Avondale’s Unified Sports teams are an important part of the achievement, Special Olympics also considered our Unified Club, LINKS program, and participation in community events like the Polar Plunge. Together, these efforts demonstrate Avondale’s ongoing commitment to creating a school environment where collaboration, engagement, and respect for all are part of everyday life.
To earn this distinction, a school must meet 10 national standards of excellence developed by Special Olympics and education leaders. These standards emphasize:
• Special Olympics Unified Sports® – where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates.
• Inclusive Youth Leadership – empowering all students to have a voice.
• Whole-School Engagement – building a culture of inclusion throughout the school community.
Unified Champion Schools must show that these inclusive practices are sustainable and reapply for banner recognition every four years, ensuring their commitment to inclusion remains strong.
Avondale’s recognition as a National Unified Champion School reflects the passion, leadership, and teamwork of our students, staff, and families. This banner is more than an award—it’s a celebration of the values that make our schools a place where everyone belongs. To learn more about the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® National Recognition Program visit www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/unified-champion-schools/banner-recognition-program.
