Unified P.E.
Unified P.E.
Unified Physical Education is a unique opportunity for students of varying ability levels and backgrounds to come together on equal terms through ongoing fitness, sports, leadership and wellness activities. This course focuses on the physical, intellectual and social growth of all participants. Engaging in physical activity and sport alongside peers with and without disabilities helps to foster important social relationships.
How to get Involved
Monthly challenges
CHARTING THE COURSE FOR INCLUSION is designed as a series of whole
school engagement activities that Unified Champion Schools can
implement on their school campuses to activate students with and
without intellectual disabilities to participate in fun, unified challenges.
This guide provides clear instructions, guidance, challenge activities,
and materials needed to complete each challenge!
Cool School Plunge
Want to bring the plunge directly to your school? Join our Cool School Plunge! This is a unique way to raise funds for your Unified Activity.
Spread the Word
Spread the Word is a yearly campaign that encourages students to use inclusive and kind language. We provide the kit necessary to run this campaign in your school the first week of March.
Unified Classroom
Social Emotional learning lessons and resources for ages K-12 that can be used in any classroom setting. Lesson Topics include:
Early childhood / Elementary Schools
Contact vanvolkenburghl@soks.org for more information.
Check out and sign up for the Fall 2025 sessions:
Down Syndrome Innovations:
https://kcdsi.org/event/fall-
Wednesdays from 5:00pm-5:45pm
Dates: 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/29, 11/5
Location: Down Syndrome Innovations, 5916 Dearborn Street, Mission KS 66202
Catholic Dioceses of Wichita: Ministry with Persons with Disabilities:
https://docs.google.com/forms/
Wednesdays from 6:00pm-7:00pm
Dates: 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29
Location: St. Joseph School Gym, 132 S Millwood Ave, Wichita, KS, 67213
F.L. Schlagle Library:
https://www.kckpl.org/event/
Wednesdays from 3:45pm-4:45pm
Dates: 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22
Location: F.L. Schlagle Library, 4051 West Dr, Kansas City, KS 66109
F.L. Schlagle Library:
https://www.kckpl.org/event/
Wednesdays from 3:45pm-4:45pm
Dates: 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17
Location: F.L. Schlagle Library, 4051 West Dr, Kansas City, KS 66109
West Wyandotte Library:
https://www.kckpl.org/events/
Monday’s from 6:00pm-7:00pm
Dates: 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29
Location: West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N 82nd St, Kansas City, KS 66112
Educators play an integral role in the fitness journey of youth populations within school settings. To support teachers in delivering effective, school-based fitness programming the Special Olympics Fitness Team created High 5 for Fitness Lesson Plans. Broken down into three age groups (8-11, 12-14,15-21), each plan is a collection of twelve 15–30-minute lessons focused on topics related to physical activity, hydration, and nutrition. All lessons are comprised of a series of different activities, each meant to provide school-aged youth populations (8-21 y/o), with and without IDD, opportunities to develop physical activity knowledge, apply fitness concepts, and build self-efficacy alongside their peers in UPE classes and beyond.
Check out each plan (8-11, 12-14, 15-21) to learn more about how schools and educators within your community can support the next generation of fit athletes and champions of inclusion! You can also find out more information on the High 5 for Fitness webpage.
High 5 for Fitness Phase II Evaluation Highlights
High 5 empowers youth ages 8–21 to build healthy habits through fun activities that boost flexibility, strength, and endurance. From 2023–2025, Special Olympics Fitness partnered with U.S. Programs to evaluate the new High 5 for Fitness lessons in schools.
The two-phase project confirmed that the lessons successfully engage students and support active lifestyles. Educators reported high satisfaction with the revised content, and findings suggest positive impacts on motivation, self-efficacy, and enjoyment. The evaluation also identified opportunities for continued improvement.
Check out the full details in the attached and linked High 5 Report.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Educators play an integral role in the fitness journey of youth populations within school settings. To support teachers in delivering effective, school-based fitness programming the Special Olympics Fitness Team created High 5 for Fitness Lesson Plans. Broken down into three age groups (8-11, 12-14,15-21), each plan is a collection of twelve 15–30-minute lessons focused on topics related to physical activity, hydration, and nutrition. All lessons are comprised of a series of different activities, each meant to provide school-aged youth populations (8-21 y/o), with and without IDD, opportunities to develop physical activity knowledge, apply fitness concepts, and build self-efficacy alongside their peers in UPE classes and beyond.
Check out each plan (8-11, 12-14, 15-21) to learn more about how schools and educators within your community can support the next generation of fit athletes and champions of inclusion! You can also find out more information on the High 5 for Fitness webpage.
High 5 for Fitness Phase II Evaluation Highlights
High 5 empowers youth ages 8–21 to build healthy habits through fun activities that boost flexibility, strength, and endurance. From 2023–2025, Special Olympics Fitness partnered with U.S. Programs to evaluate the new High 5 for Fitness lessons in schools.
The two-phase project confirmed that the lessons successfully engage students and support active lifestyles. Educators reported high satisfaction with the revised content, and findings suggest positive impacts on motivation, self-efficacy, and enjoyment. The evaluation also identified opportunities for continued improvement.
Check out the full details in the attached and linked High 5 Report.