CRLS Nationally Recognized by Special Olympics for Excellence in Inclusion, Advocacy, and Respect
Cambridge Public Schools is proud to announce that the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) has received National Banner recognition as a 2024-25 Special Olympics Unified Champion School from Special Olympics North America for demonstrating excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect.
CRLS is one of only 17 schools in the state and among 217 schools nationwide to achieve this status for the 2024-25 school year.
National Banner status is recognized for four years following the initial award year
National Banner recognition requires participation in Special Olympics Unified Champion School ® programming, which provides inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities to train and compete as teammates. 10 national standards of excellence must be met to merit National Banner recognition.
“We are so proud of this recognition and the work our students have put in to build our program. Unified Sports has given students meaningful inclusion opportunities, the chance to be part of a team, and has created lasting friendships among peers. The excitement and engagement from our students have driven the growth of the Unified program over the last five years, creating a powerful, positive impact on the community,” said Eric Chase, Program Liaison and CRLS Adapted Physical Education program.
The three core components of these standards include sports, leadership, and whole school engagement. CRLS has offered Unified Sports for the past five years, and currently provides Basketball, Weight Training and Intramurals, and Track and Field. Home games draw crowds through organized “fill the stands” efforts, student versus staff games are highly anticipated, and each year, students participate in a Youth Equity Summit, where they present on topics such as inclusion, equity, disability awareness, and more. Leadership is encouraged among peers in and out of the classroom, through the Best Buddies club, and by promoting student participation in state Unified Youth Leadership conferences. The result is a school environment that promotes inclusion and respect for all.
“This designation is made possible by the everyday actions of our community, by choosing to include others, celebrating our differences, and demonstrating respect for their peers each day, our students play a part in creating an authentic feeling of belonging for all. This recognition is a testament to their efforts,” said CRLS Interim Principal Allan Gately Gehant.
The Banner will be displayed to the whole school community on a date and time determined by CRLS.
Learn more about
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools here.