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Lake Forest's Special Olympics program expands unified teams, fundraising and school participation
Summary
The board heard an update on Special Olympics activities, including unified-school banners, an expanding program of unified athletes and peers, community fundraising and plans to broaden student-led inclusion efforts.
Heather Hitchens, the district's Special Olympics coordinator, told the Lake Forest Board of Education on Feb. 13 that the program has grown across the district and is building more unified teams, fundraising relationships and student-led inclusion activities.
Hitchens said Central and South schools have earned state or national unified-school recognition banners after meeting Special Olympics Delaware requirements for inclusive clubs, peer involvement and fundraising. "Central actually received the national banner recognition," she said, calling it "a testament to what the district has done." She added that Chipman is pursuing similar recognition.
The district hosted bocce with broad participation: Hitchens said 122 athletes and about 60 peer partners attended the event, and thanked the schools and food-service staff for supporting the day. She credited community volunteers who built accessible ramps for students who use wheelchairs and noted that the district's goal for future bocce competitions is full unification, meaning every team pairs students with and without disabilities.
Hitchens described local fundraising and outreach: she reported a Polar Bear Plunge team of 23 participants that raised $3,300 and said the district's "Over the Edge" fundraiser had 15 team members this year with a stated fundraising goal she gave as "$25,000 and 500" (as recorded in the meeting transcript). The program sold an inclusion-themed apparel line; Hitchens said 43 orders were filled and profits go back to students and activities.
She highlighted opportunities for students to lead and participate: a student-led leadership conference for elementary athletes, inclusion-themed weeks and school-led clubs that pair students with and without disabilities for social and extracurricular activities. Hitchens said district athletes also benefited from partnerships that allow off-site, year-round activities for students who need 12-month services.
Why it matters: Board members praised the program's community engagement and said inclusive activities support social inclusion and student leadership. Hitchens asked for continued support and flagged a May event (Over the Edge) as a major district fundraiser that helps Special Olympics activities in the district and statewide.
