First Year Unify Grant shows great results
Last August, SOWI received $70,000 of a $2.2. million dollar Project Unify grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Its goal is to activate youth around the country in an effort to develop school communities where all young people are agents of change - fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities by utilizing the programs and initiatives of Special Olympics.
SOWI utilized the grant in three main project areas designed to “unify” kids with and without disabilities: starting eight pilot Young Athlete Programs introducing 300 new 2-7 year olds to a SOWI play program; offering a winter and summer Camp Shriver to 150+ kids in LaCrosse in collaboration with LaCrosse Parks and Recreation Dept.; and a unified basketball leagues and enrichment program within Milwaukee Public Schools were 80+ kids came four days a week for 6 weeks to play basketball and learn more about healthy living. SOWI has already submitted a grant for year two which will enhance these existing projects and dive deeper into those student communities to impact positive change.