In May, Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (MVCSC) proudly hosted three separate Unified Champions Field Days — one each for preschool, elementary, and secondary students — bringing together learners of all ages for joyful celebrations of fun, connection, and inclusion.

Unified Champions is a Special Olympics program that promotes inclusive school environments by fostering acceptance, respect, and dignity for all students. These events encouraged students with and without disabilities to play and compete side-by-side on the same teams, creating a space where everyone could participate—regardless of their athletic, intellectual, physical, or functional abilities.

Each of the district’s three elementary schools hosted a Unified Champions event where students had the opportunity to meet new friends and build meaningful connections. The day began with a patriotic moment as students gathered for the National Anthem, followed by a unity walk around the Mt. Vernon High School track.

After the opening ceremony, students enjoyed a variety of engaging activities in the center of the track. These included mini hurdle jumps, relay races, pool noodle javelin throws, and long jump challenges—each designed to be accessible and fun for all participants.

Mt. Vernon Middle School and Mt. Vernon High School also hosted their Unified Champion event with lunch at the high school track. Their event consisted of similar activities as the elementary school event and students enjoyed the sunshine while they supported each other and cheered on their peers. The champions all went through a raised arms tunnel lined up on the track, tossed the ball to each other, threw pool noodle javelins and jumped mini-hurdles, while others drew Unified Champions messages and pictures with chalk. The event ended by awarding the Andrew Mize Unified Champions Participant of the Year Award, in honor of a Mt. Vernon student who passed away unexpectedly several years ago.

The Mini-Marauder Preschool also hosted a Unified Champions field day at the middle school track near their playground. Smiles were all around the activity stations, including tossing bean bags into a hamper, running a relay race, kicking soccer balls in the goals and to their partner, balancing on a colorful beam, leaping onto colored tiles, and more. These Mini-Marauders practiced teamwork and patience while getting their energy out on the sunny day.

MVCSC extends sincere gratitude to the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation and Greenfield Banking Company for generously sponsoring the Unified Champions Field Day t-shirts for all participants. These memorable events were made possible through the dedication of our incredible staff who planned and facilitated the activities, as well as the enthusiastic support of our middle and high school student volunteers. Their collective efforts truly brought the spirit of inclusion to life and made each Field Day a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved. 

MVCSC is proud to be a Special Olympics Unified Champion District, and these events are a shining example of our ongoing commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for all students.