50 for 50th Spotlight: Bethel University
There are over 250 postsecondary inclusive programs in the United States for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). These programs offer opportunities for people with ID to continue their academic journeys while also improving their occupational and social skills. Many times, these programs establish partnerships with their local Special Olympics Programs, which seek to engage Special Olympics athletes who are transitioning out of high school. Bethel University in Minnesota is one of the many campuses that has taken full advantage of this open door. Their postsecondary inclusive program on campus is known as the Bethel University Inclusive Learning and Development program, or BUILD. Special Olympics Minnesota has been involved with the program since its inception in 2015. In 2016, Bethel truly embraced the concept of whole school engagement by hosting a Respect Campaign during a home football game. Students and fans were encouraged to sign a pledge to end their use of the R-word and promote respect throughout their campus. A representative from Special Olympics Minnesota also presented during the game, speaking on the effects of the R-word and the importance of an inclusive community.
In 2017, Bethel University became an official Special Olympics Unified Champion School®!
To become a Unified Champion School, campuses must meet three requirements put forth by Special Olympics. These include inclusive youth leadership, Special Olympics Unified Sports®, and full campus engagement. Through the BUILD program’s association with the Special Olympics Minnesota’s Athlete Leadership Program, BUILD students are provided inclusive youth leadership. Due to many of the students in the BUILD program already being part of the Special Olympics Minnesota’s Athletic Leadership Programs that help plan events with their student counterparts, Bethel University was already fulfilling the first requirement of developing into a Unified Champion School.
In February, 2017 Bethel University athletic teams came together to help organize a Unified basketball event. Unified Sports is when people with and without ID compete on the same team, fostering inclusion both on and off the field. Special education students from 12 different metro middle and high schools were invited to participate for the second year in a row. Student-athletes and BUILD students volunteered throughout the event, making it a successful Unified experience. The Unified Sports action didn’t stop there. With Unified bowling competitions taking place all over the state of Minnesota, Bethel University was looking to get in on the action. In December of 2017, they also created a Unified bowling team. And in fall of 2018, Bethel athletics and BUILD students also hosted a Unified kickball competition.
Patrick Elmore, a BUILD student and Special Olympics athlete, explained the impact that Bethel University has had on him. “At my high school, there weren’t any Unified programs. At Bethel, [as a Unified Champion School] it’s different. Growing up I was bullied. Bethel allows me to be who I am.”
[In honor of the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics and in celebration of the Division III partnership, Division III and Special Olympics have joined forces to present 50 profiles honoring the unified work of the NCAA, Division III and Special Olympics. Use the hashtag #d3SO50for50th for more profiles and on any Division III/Special Olympics activities.]
