The Unified School Sports League, Dubai, is a city-wide movement redefining how schools approach competition, inclusion, and student well-being. With over 50 schools, 2,000+ students, and 50 events annually, it brings together neurodiverse and neurotypical students in recreational, developmental, and competitive sports, from Athletics to Zumba!
In partnership with Special Olympics UAE, the league aligns with the Unified Champion Schools (UCS) framework, which blends inclusive sport, youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. The impact is profound: 95% of UCS liaisons report a more inclusive environment, and 90% see reduced bullying. Students in UCS programs develop stronger friendships, empathy, and academic success.
Schools that host Wednesday morning events in 2025/26 can earn the Unified Champion School Award and lead a culture of belonging. This talk explores how sport can unite, uplift, and transform school communities when every student is empowered to play, lead, and belong.
Speaker Sessions
Workshop Space
1627
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Play. Lead. Belong: Transforming Schools Through Unified Sports
Session Summary:
Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or advocate for inclusive education, this session will demonstrate the powerful role of sport in building stronger, more compassionate school communities.
This presentation shares the inspiring journey of the Unified School Sports League Dubai, a pioneering initiative that is reshaping how schools approach competition, inclusion, and student development. With over 50 schools, more than 2,000 students, and a diverse calendar of 50 events, the league brings together neurodiverse and neurotypical students through a wide range of recreational, developmental, and competitive sports from Athletics to Zumba.
Rooted in the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (UCS) framework, this movement blends inclusive sport, youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. Attendees will explore how this model enhances empathy, reduces bullying, and promotes meaningful participation for all students, fostering a culture where everyone is empowered to play, lead, and belong.
Speakers:
Matthew Alan Thomas
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Unified Champion Schools Coordinator - GEMS Education & Special Olympics UAE
// GESS EDUCATION INSIGHTS
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