Each year, Special Olympics Virginia recognizes one school or school district in the state that has embraced the philosophy of a unified community and the Special Olympics mission and that has demonstrated a superior commitment to inclusion, acceptance, respect and dignity for all.
This year’s honoree is Gates Elementary School. Here is how Val Reinford, who is vice president of local program services for Special Olympics Virginia, describes Gates Elementary School:
“Gates Elementary has embraced Unified Strategies for Schools at all grade levels and in every classroom. [Unified Strategies for Schools uses sports to develop school communities where youth are agents of change — fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities.]
Gates has a very large and diverse group of students with intellectual disabilities and other disabilities. All staff members believe that all children can learn and that creating inclusive activities promotes learning for all students. … Gates has more general education teachers involved in Unified Strategies for Schools than any other school that I have worked with and its administrators believe in the value of Unified Strategies. Staff members promote Unified Strategies for Schools within their school system and across the state as ambassadors for Special Olympics Virginia.”
