College Clubs function as an official club on campus and connects college students and individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport to build friendships and help lead the social justice movement of Special Olympics. Created by college students for college students, the network seeks the membership of campuses that seek the common goals of enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and building a more accepting world for all.
College Club programs are made up of the same three core elements as all Unified Champion Schools: Inclusive Sports, Youth Leadership and opportunities for full campus involvement. Together these components can help students work for and with Special Olympics athletes to help transform school campuses into communities of acceptance and respect.
In Utah, the following schools are Unified Champion School College Clubs:
- Southern Utah University
- Brigham Young University
- Utah Valley University
- The University of Utah
- Weber State University
- Utah State University
How can these components can work in your school?
Inclusive Sports
Start a Unified Sports team comprised of college students and Special Olympics athletes; or host a local or state level inclusive Special Olympics event
Leadership
SO College functions as a student-led club that is fully recognized by your school; additionally students should invite local Special Olympics athletes to join their leadership team and help plan events throughout the year.
Involvement
Host an awareness campaign or invite students to become Fans in the Stands at local Special Olympics games and cheer on the athletes.
Don’t see your college on the list? Want to get more involved? Contact us!