The Special Olympics’ Huskies for Inclusion virtual closing ceremony took place on Saturday, March 6. During the ceremony, the American School was recognized as a Special Olympics’ Unified Champion School.

More than 200 students and 200 athletes with intellectual disabilities, representing Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, El Salvador, and Venezuela, participated in the Huskies for Inclusion week-long event which was organized by the American School’s high school students. Participants took part in Zumba classes, a mindfulness session, a handcrafts workshop, leadership forum as well as a number of other activities.

Special Olympics believes that through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills, and success. Furthermore, the organization strives to create cultures of respect, acceptance, and equity all around the world.

Since December 2020, the 12th grade Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) students have raised funds, including a Shark-Tank activity in collaboration with 11th graders, for a number of CAS projects.

To close the week on a high note, students participated in a talent show which was followed shortly thereafter by the closing ceremony. Ms. Donna Swenson, the American School’s General Director, Ms. Kimberley McFarland, High School Principal, Dr. Pilar Bazán, Council vice-president and Executive Director of Special Olympics Mexico, and athletes, students, and teachers were on hand for said ceremony.

At the end of the closing ceremony, Pilar Bazán awarded the American School the Unified Champion SchoolÒ recognition. Ms. Donna Swenson received said distinction virtually, shared a few words about the importance of inclusion, and thanked all those on hand for participating in the Huskies for Inclusion week-long event as well as for being inclusive future leaders.