BAHS receives national banner for 2023 Special Olympics

Photo Courtesy: Broken Arrow Public Schools

(NATIONAL) Promoting inclusion for everyone, regardless of intellectual abilities, is what the Special Olympics aims to do. 

Broken Arrow High School is part of that mission in a big way. Not long after becoming a Special Olympics Oklahoma State Banner Champion, BAHS recently received word they had earned National Banner Status from Special Olympics North America. 

“Our students and staff value all students of all ability levels in the same ways,” said Christina Gould, the Head Coach for Broken Arrow Special Olympics. 

To earn national recognition, schools must meet certain standards such as offering unified sports in at least two seasons throughout the school year. 

The school must recognize unified sports officially in the same way it does for other athletics/clubs at the school. 

Broken Arrow High School offers multiple unified sports teams including cheer, soccer, volleyball, bocci, and cornhole. 

The unified sports program also must have an equal number of students with and without intellectual disabilities. 

“Total inclusion is being recognized across the campus,” said Gould. “Inclusion isn’t just inviting someone to a game, it’s getting in there and playing with them. It’s a respect and feeling that you get when you walk our hallways next to a student of different abilities.”

In addition to the Sports teams, BAHS included Special Olympics athletes in Homecoming last year and they had a Homecoming Court. 

Broken Arrow High School also has a Unified Champions Club that is student led by students of all ability levels. 

The recognition of Broken Arrow High School for this achievement has not gone unnoticed. 

“We get stopped anytime we are out in the community with someone congratulating us or asking us questions about it and how they can help with anything in the future,” said Gould. “Because of the work the High School Chapter of this club has done, we have added six new Unified Champion Schools across the district. They are just starting the work but are excited for the growth in inclusion at these school sites. My dream is to have Unified Champion Schools district wide!”

Students who have been involved with the Unified Champions club say the experience has been rewarding. 

“I was active in six clubs in advanced leadership and by far Unified Champions was my favorite,” said Grace Lane, a graduate of Broken Arrow High School. “I learned a lot about inclusion. My perspective on everything changed, me as a person, my favorite is probably cheer by far. They're super fun, They love when they get those pom poms. The joy on their faces, I love it.”

Not to mention long lasting connections between the students involved. 

“It's just a great bonding experience and I made some of my best friends in this program,” said Lane. 

To ensure the spirit of inclusion continues, schools who receive National Banner status must reapply every four years. 

More information on this award and the requirements to receive it can be found on the Special Olympics website.