Special Olympics: More than Sports, A Lifetime of Community
From SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC by DCSEAC
April 20, 2026 · 41 min · Season 1 · Episode 30
About this episode
The episode discusses how Special Olympics and Unified Champion Schools create lifelong opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through various inclusive programs.
Special Olympics & Unified Champion Schools: Building Belonging From Preschool Through Adulthood Host Aleia Mastroianni talks with Maricela Shukie, Senior Director of Unified Champion Schools at Special Olympics Colorado, about how Special Olympics provides lifelong opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports, leadership, inclusive school programs, and community. They explain the difference between traditional Special Olympics and Unified, where athletes and typically developing partners participate together in activities such as Unified sports, PE, cheer, theatre, eSports, student government, and inclusive events like prom. The conversation covers seasons, accommodations for varying needs, common barriers (misconceptions about age or ability, fear, location, paperwork), and the Athlete Oath. They outline how to sign up through schools or Special Olympics Colorado, note the program is free, discuss health screenings and volunteering, and describe post-school options including college programs, athlete leadership, and roles like coaching or employment within Special Olympics. 00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup 01:32 What Special Olympics…
People in this episode
Host: Aleia Mastroianni
Guest: Maricela Shukie
Topics covered
- Special Olympics
- Unified Champion Schools
- inclusion
- community
- sports
- leadership
Keywords
- Special Olympics
- Unified Champion Schools
- inclusion
- community
- sports
- leadership
- athlete oath
- volunteering
- accommodations
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Special Olympics Colorado, Unified Champion Schools
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