January 29, 2020 3:40 a.m.
Roseburg High School’s Unified Sports program will receive national recognition on Friday to promote inclusion.
Information from RHS said a representative from Special Olympics Oregon will present a banner of national school recognition to the program’s Unified basketball team during half-time at the boys varsity basketball game at the school. The Unified team will showcase the work the program has been doing to demonstrate inclusion.
The RHS release said school’s Unified Sports program includes four Unified teams – three skill-based basketball teams and one cheer team.  Unified Sports involves teams that are made up of both students with disabilities and without.
According to the Special Olympics National School Recognition website, a school can earn the national banner recognition banner recognition by demonstrating commitment to inclusion by meeting particular standards of excellence. The school must also have an inclusive school climate and exude a sense of collaboration, encouragement and respect for all members of the student body and staff.
The release said the Unified Sports program earned state recognition from Special Olympics Oregon last school year. At the time, only 15 out of 100 schools in Oregon that participate in Unified Sports had earned the state recognition.
RHS Principal Jill Weber said the school is proud of the work the Unified Sports program has done to “make the school feel inclusive and supportive of all students”.
Following the banner presentation at half-time, the Unified team members will continue their celebration in the auxiliary gym. The varsity game will begin at 6:45 p.m.
Call RHS for more information.