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District plans to expand Special Olympics "Unified Champions" program to Buena Park Middle School
Summary
A district presentation outlined the Special Olympics Unified Champions model and partners; Whitaker and Pendleton are current sites and the program is slated to expand to Buena Park Middle School next year with PTA, SELPA and community partners supporting inclusive athletics and leadership.
Julie Linicky presented the board with an update on the district’s Special Olympics Unified Champions schools and expansion plans.
Linicky said the program’s three core components — inclusive unified sports, student leadership, and whole‑school engagement — create opportunities for students with and without disabilities to learn, lead and compete. She told the board the program is largely funded by federal education supports and local partnerships and that both Whitaker and Pendleton are currently designated Unified Champion schools. Partners named in the presentation included PTA groups, North Orange County SELPA, the Anaheim Ducks organization and other community volunteers.
Linicky said the district will expand the program next year to Buena Park Middle School and has arranged meetings with site staff and Unified Champions representatives to launch programming. Board members praised the program for creating inclusive opportunities and thanked staff and volunteers for organizing school‑based teams and community events.
The presentation included photos and student‑facing activities that demonstrate social benefits and leadership outcomes. Trustees asked clarifying questions about staffing and volunteering; presenters said planning committees and parent volunteers are central to the program’s sustainability.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with site planning for the Buena Park Middle School expansion and bring updates to the board as programming is scheduled.
