Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes, Unified partners, educators, volunteers, and staff will gather at the Michigan State Capitol on Thursday, June 4, to advocate for an ongoing financial investment in Unified Champion Schools®, an evidence-based strategy that fosters inclusion, acceptance, and belonging for students of all abilities.
Advocates will meet with state lawmakers between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to share personal stories and demonstrate the impact of inclusive education programs that bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities through sports, leadership opportunities, and whole-school engagement activities.
The requested funding would allow Special Olympics Michigan to continue expanding Unified Champion Schools across the state, providing more students with opportunities to learn, lead, and succeed in inclusive environments. Currently, 715 schools across 61 Michigan counties participate in Unified Champion Schools programming, with a goal of reaching 800 schools by 2027. Research consistently shows that inclusive school environments reduce bullying, improve school climate, and create stronger outcomes for all students.
“Every student deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and included,” said Annika Bullough, a Special Olympics Michigan athlete and Capitol Day participant representing Haslett High School. “Unified Champion Schools helped me find confidence, friendship, and a place where I belong. We are asking our leaders to invest in programs that help all students succeed together.”
Unified Champion Schools is built around three key components: Unified Sports®, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole School Engagement. The strategy creates meaningful opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities to learn and grow alongside one another, helping build more inclusive school communities. Studies have shown that schools participating in Unified Champion Schools report positive impacts on school culture and reductions in bullying and exclusionary behaviors.
“Capitol Day is about more than funding; it's about creating a future where every student feels seen, respected, and empowered,” said Tim Hileman, President & CEO of Special Olympics Michigan. “This investment would help us expand opportunities for thousands of Michigan students while building stronger, more inclusive communities throughout our state.”
Special Olympics Michigan's delegation includes athletes, Unified partners, educators, family members, and community leaders from across the state who shared firsthand experiences with legislators about the transformative impact of inclusive education.
The organization is urging lawmakers to approve the continued funding during the current budget process, ensuring that more Michigan schools can access resources that promote acceptance, leadership, and belonging for students of all abilities.