Districtwide track meet unites students and fosters inclusion, positivity

Approximately 200 high school students of all abilities gathered at Champlin Park High School (CPHS) for the first-ever Unified Track Meet on Thursday, May 21. Student leaders and special education supporters from each high school were partnered with students with disabilities from their school to accompany them in the events by ensuring school spirit, belonging and participation.

CPHS club advisor, Maia Miller, explained, “Students are very passionate about spreading Unified around the district and want other schools to start their own clubs. One of the ways to show them how was to host an event for them to see how amazing, fun, and easy it is.” About 100 students from CPHS hosted the event, with approximately 30 additional students from Anoka-Hennepin high schools, including Andover, Anoka, Blaine and Coon Rapids.

The day began with opportunities for students to practice and explore activities, including a football and beanbag toss, racing and hurdling events on the track, a ball kick, agility runs and fun with a parachute, inflatable jumping event, chalk art and face painting. The activities followed up with more formal racing events by representatives from each high school, awarding schools “places” and encouragement. To conclude, all students gathered to enjoy lunch and camaraderie among schools and students.

View photos from the event.

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Background: Champlin Park High School (CPHS) was one of four schools in the state to be named a Special Olympics Unified Champion School in 2019, demonstrating commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence; now there are 14 Unified Champion schools in the state. A Special Olympics Unified Champion School is recognized for its inclusive school climate and sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all student body and staff members. 

The Unified Club at CPHS aims to create a school climate where students with disabilities feel welcome and routinely included in all activities, opportunities and functions. The team has competed in bocce ball and basketball, and last school year participated in outdoor winter activities.