LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Special Olympics named the University of Louisville a National Unified Champion School, the first Kentucky university to receive one of the organization's highest honors.
UofL said the award is granted to schools that meet 10 standards and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity. This includes offering Unified Sports, such as basketball and cornhole, ensuring equal recognition for all participants, fostering leadership and engaging the entire school community.
The university’s partnership with Special Olympics Kentucky spans decades and was strengthened over the past decade through Campus Recreation and the School of Medicine, UofL added.
“The UofL Campus Recreation Department is one of the most well-regarded programs in the country when it comes to collegiate Unified Sports,” said Karen Michalak-Parsley, senior director of SOKY Unified Champion Schools. “UofL has become valued members of our Special Olympics Kentucky family."
"The partnership we have is a model for other universities and SO State Programs. We feel extremely lucky to have a partner who not only welcomes us but seeks to do more for our athletes year after year.”
The university's commitment to Unified Sports began in 2016 through the Campus Recreation Department.
“Sports takes away that barrier where you might not talk to someone, but through playing sports, you connect with them,” said Eric Piernas, assistant director of intramural sports.
Eli Just, J.B. Speed School of Engineering senior, has participated in the program since his first year. He began with 4-on-4 basketball and has traveled to national tournaments, which he said have been some of his most memorable experiences at UofL.
“The smiles players would have when they hit a big shot, and the high fives they’d give you when you’d hit one was beyond compare," Just said.
UofL joins 25 other colleges and universities nationwide with National Banner status. The university will maintain the honor through 2027.
Connor Smith - Digital Producer
Connor Smith is a digital producer for Spectrum News 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. He joined the team in November 2023 and hails from the Chicago area. In summer 2023, he received his Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern's Medill School in Chicago, where he covered Super Bowl LVII, the Chicago Marathon and other stories around the city.
