Special Olympics & Unified Champion Schools: Building Belonging From Preschool Through Adulthood Host Aleia Mastroianni talks with Maricela Shukie, Senior Director of Unified Champion Schools at Special Olympics Colorado, about how Special Olympics provides lifelong opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports, leadership, inclusive school programs, and community. They explain the difference between traditional Special Olympics and Unified, where athletes and typically developing partners participate together in activities such as Unified sports, PE, cheer, theatre, eSports, student government, and inclusive events like prom. The conversation covers seasons, accommodations for varying needs, common barriers (misconceptions about age or ability, fear, location, paperwork), and the Athlete Oath. They  ...