DAVENPORT, Iowa — The Special Olympics of Iowa is recognizing three schools around the Quad Cities Area for their efforts to promote inclusion.
Davenport West High School, Central DeWitt Intermediate School and Central DeWitt Middle School all received the "National Unified Champion School" title. To be eligible for the honor, schools must "bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities through education, sports and youth leadership to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to create and sustain school communities that promote acceptance and respect," according to a press release from Davenport West announcing the honor.
On Thursday, Jan. 25, Davenport West students received a banner cementing the recognition during an assembly in the West High School Auditorium. Students said they're happy to have a school where everyone can get in the game.
"I think it's important because a lot in society, kids with disabilities get made fun, of and inclusion is a very important thing. Just throughout everything. All types of people, inclusion in general. I just think inclusion is the best thing. It's very heartwarming to be included, and some kids aren't included," Davenport West sophomore Eden Miller said.
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