Page 36 - 2021-22 Girls Track & Field State Finals Program

Unified State Champions Champions Together Initiative

In 2012, it began with a challenge from then IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox to the 18 mem-
bers of the IHSAA Student Advisory Committee (SAC). A challenge to find an organization to support
on an on-going basis to build a legacy of leadership. The SAC researched not-for-profit organizations
and unanimously recommended that a partnership be formed between the IHSAA and Special Olympics
Indiana (SOIN) based on a “mutual love of sports.” The “Champions Together” partnership was born and
first introduced to the entire IHSAA membership in 2013-14 with the philosophy, “Servant Leadership.
Changing Live.”
Champions Together has experienced exceptional growth since its inception over the past nine years. It
started with 13 schools participating in Unified Sports® with the inaugural Unified Track and Field State
Tournament in 2013. It spread to many schools across the state with retired Champions Together Direc-
tor, Lee Lonzo, traveling thousands of miles with Special Olympics Advocates Mitch Bonar and Andrew
Peterson spreading the word of inclusion, acceptance and respect to schools and student bodies. Uni-
fied Flag Football launched in 2018 and has grown from 25 schools participating in the inaugural State
2021 IHSAA Unified Track and Field State Champion Tournament to 41 schools in 2021. The unified movement will continue to grow and change the lives of
Valparaiso Vikings student-athletes across Indiana.
Year Champion Runner-Up Score Venue Champions Together is a collaborative partnership and SOIN continues to be a full partner in Champions
2013-14 Warsaw Community Mt. Vernon 101-91 Robert Haugh Complex, IU Together. SOIN helps by providing technical support in implementing Unified Sports based on more
2014-15 Lafayette Jefferson Kokomo 100-97 Robert Haugh Complex, IU than 20 years of experience. They have also provided financial grants to schools which start Unified
2015-16 Warsaw Community Noblesville 107-103 Robert Haugh Complex, IU
2016-17 Merrillville Harrison 98-94 Robert Haugh Complex, IU Sports programs, paid all costs of IHSAA Unified Sports Tournaments, and provided more than 250
2017-18 Elkhart Memorial Merrillville 104-101 Robert Haugh Complex, IU school assemblies either in-person or virtually promoting respect and inclusion. SOIN also sponsors two
2018-19 Valparaiso Bedford North Lawrence 124-109 Robert Haugh Complex, IU high school state championships in Unified Bocce (6th annual) and Unified Bowling (4th annual) which
2019-20 Tournament Cancelled due to Coronavirus Pandemic provides competitive opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities. Unified eSports
2020-21 Valparaiso Fishers 126-106 Ben Davis HS, Indianapolis and Unified Robotics have emerged out of the pandemic as two new possibilities for SOIN sponsored
Bobby Cox Spirit of Unified Mental Attitude Award championships.
Champions Together is more than just Unified Sports. Being a part of Champions Together means ac-
At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee will present the ceptance, community, school pride, comfort, belonging, healing and sometimes even therapy for some.
Bobby Cox Spirit of Unified Mental Attitude Award to an athlete and partner competing in Champions Together changes the culture in schools, creates opportunities for those who necessary may
today’s contest. not get it, and forms life-long & lasting friendships.
An athlete, who was nominated by their principal and coach, must excel in mental Be part of the #InclusionRevolution and #PlayUnified!
attitude, joy, courage, self-advocacy, and commitment during their time in high school. Thank you for your continued support of Champions Together
A partner, who was nominated by their principal and coach, must excel in mental attitude,
inclusive behavior, courage, advocacy, and commitment during their time in high school.
This award is named in honor of Bobby Cox, who served as the Association’s eighth Mike Hasch – Special Olympics Indiana
commissioner from 2011 to 2020, whose embrace of the Champions Together project
led to the establishment of Unified Flag Football and Unified Track & Field as the newest
Bobby Cox
IHSAA sports.

2021 Spirit of Unified
Mental Attitude Award
Winners

Natalie Bryan and Evan Barker
Fishers HS

36 IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport! IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport! 37