Shaker High School has earned national banner recognition from Special Olympics North America! This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion Schools in the country, recognizing excellence and leadership in creating inclusive school communities.
Special Olympics New York made the announcement on Monday, September 15, 2025. Shaker is one of nine schools in New York State to earn the prestigious honor for its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without intellectual disabilities. Shaker is receiving this distinguished status as a result of meeting 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect. A national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community developed these standards.
In Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, students with and without disabilities play on the same sports teams and take physical education courses together. Students also learn inclusive leadership skills and lead campaigns and activities that engage the entire school community to encourage and promote inclusion among their peers.
“Our athletic department and school community as a whole have rallied behind Unified Sports here at Shaker High School. We have seen our students-athletes thrive, with our bowling and basketball teams already winning championships,” said North Colonie Superintendent Kathleen Skeals. “We are both humbled and excited to be recognized for our achievements with inclusion. This will only inspire us to do more to support all of our students here in North Colonie."
Special Olympics NY Unified Champion Schools are off to a vibrant start to the school year. Due to increased popularity among students, many schools are adding fall Unified Sports including bocce, soccer, and flag football. Statewide, 375 schools and nearly 5,000 Unified Athletes and nearly 5,000 Unified Partners play Unified. A long-term partnership with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has led to additional rapid Unified growth in recent years.
“We could not be prouder of these schools and their students, faculty, coaches, and advisors,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “These national banners reflect the hard work and dedication put forth to better their schools.”
To achieve banner status, Unified Champion Schools must also demonstrate that they are self-sustainable or have a plan in place to continue these activities in the future. These nine new Banner Schools bring New York’s statewide total to 45.
To get involved in Unified Sports with Special Olympics New York, visit specialolympics-ny.org/unified or send an email to unified@nyso.org.
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is one of the largest state chapters in the country, serving more than 48,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 375 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid and a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.