Special Olympics RI & Ponaganset High School: 2017 National Banner Unified Champion School Ceremony

Описание: “As a member of Ponaganset High School, I pledge to look for the lonely, the isolated, the left out, the challenged and the bullied. I pledge to overcome the fear of differences and replace it with the power of inclusion. I choose to include.” So said the student body of Ponaganset High School during the Special Olympics RI 2017 National Banner Unified Championships, which they won. Dennis DeJesus, the CEO of the Special Olympics Rhode Island, delivered a speech at the ceremony, which is recorded here. He talked about Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her son, who 12 years prior had a vision to get sports into our high schools and to ignite a vision of inclusion, acceptance and respect.
DeJesus acknowledges that the vision of Tim Shriver has become a reality as seen in Ponaganset High School’s ability to acknowledge inclusion, acceptance and dignity each and every day of the school year. So amazed by this, Dr. Tim Shriver appeared at this rally event and spoke about his vision to the youth. He proudly announced that every school in Rhode Island had a Special Olympics team after 10 years of wondering if it were possible for this vision of his to happen across the country.
Ponaganset High School is unique in that it truly supports its Special Olympic athletes. The police and fire departments come to see them play. Other students give them high fives. Coaches bring their unified students from the field to cheer on the other unified teams. Programs like these allow students of all abilities to succeed in life. Parents all want their children to feel accepted, and they really are at Ponaganset High School, which received a certificate of recognition for being named the 2017 National Banner Unified Champion School.
As one alumnus stated, “Everyone should embrace this acceptance because it is truly unique here.”
Let’s celebrate kindness!
For more information on how to become the next #Sounified national banner school, visit:
www.specialolympics.org/recgnitionprogram.


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