During May, Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (MVCSC) proudly hosted two Unified Champion Field Days, one for elementary students and one for secondary students, bringing students together for days filled with fun, inclusion, and celebration.

Unified Champions, a Special Olympics program, promotes inclusive school environments by fostering acceptance, respect, and dignity for all students. These events encouraged students with and without disabilities to participate side by side on the same teams, creating opportunities for everyone to engage regardless of athletic, intellectual, physical, or functional abilities.

All three Mt. Vernon elementary schools gathered at the middle school track for their event. The day began with the National Anthem and an opening ceremony before students rotated through a variety of engaging activity stations around the track. Activities included mini hurdle jumps, relay races, pool noodle javelin throws, discus, long jump, and frisbee stations—all designed to be accessible, active, and enjoyable for every participant.

Students from Mt. Vernon Intermediate, Middle, and High School later gathered at the high school track for the secondary Unified Champion event. Participants were introduced over the stadium speakers before running through a tunnel of cheering students and volunteers. Similar to the elementary event, secondary students took part in a variety of running, jumping, and throwing activities around the track, along with additional water and sponge relay events. Throughout the day, students encouraged and supported one another while celebrating teamwork and inclusion.

These memorable events were made possible through the dedication of staff members who planned and facilitated activities, along with the enthusiastic support of middle and high school student volunteers. Their collective efforts brought the spirit of inclusion to life and created meaningful experiences for everyone involved.

MVCSC is proud to be a Special Olympics Unified Champion District, and these events serve as a shining example of the corporation’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for all students.