14 LI Districts Gather In Sayville To Learn How To Build More Inclusive Schools

SAYVILLE, NY — Hundreds of students from across Long Island gathered at Sayville Old Junior High School on Friday for the Special Olympics New York Unified Youth Summit, a day focused on leadership, teamwork and inclusion.

The summit brought together 275 students and about 100 staff members from 14 school districts, including Amityville, Center Moriches, Commack, Connetquot, Deer Park, Harborfields, Huntington, Islip, Northport, Patchogue-Medford, Rocky Point, Sayville, Sachem North and Walt Whitman.

Throughout the morning, students took part in team-building games, leadership workshops and presentations that showcased how Unified programs — which unite students with and without intellectual disabilities — are helping schools become more inclusive across Long Island.

“Students with and without disabilities from 15 Long Island high schools are here learning how to make their schools a more inclusive place,” said Emily Mohlin, associate director of program for the Long Island region of Special Olympics New York. “They give presentations on what they’ve done, play games, get to know each other, and leave with a plan for how to make their schools more inclusive.”

Dr. Ryan Cox, Sayville’s director of physical education, health and athletics, noted that this year’s summit drew its largest turnout yet.

“We’re very proud to be partners with the Special Olympics and Unified Sports,” Cox said. “Sayville has been humbled to host this Unified Leadership Summit over the past three years, and this was our greatest turnout — more than 20 schools and 275 students. It’s all about leadership, connection and promoting inclusivity in our schools.”

The Unified Champion Schools Program, a collaboration between Special Olympics New York and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, has connected students with and without intellectual disabilities since 2013 through Unified Sports and leadership opportunities.

Across the state, these programs have helped reduce bullying, overturn stereotypes and build lasting friendships — all at no cost to athletes or their families.