Hoggard Unified Champion program receives national recognition for inclusivity

Special Olympics and ESPN presented the Vikings with the honor after a Unified basketball game

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – There’s a new banner hanging in Sheila Boles Gymnasium.

Special Olympics North Carolina has honored Hoggard as one of six Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools in the state. In September, WWAY reported Hoggard had been selected for the honor.

Hoggard High School’s Unified Club received National Banner Recognition for meeting the 10 national standards of inclusion determined by Special Olympics North America.  They celebrated this achievement with a Unified Blue and White basketball game, an inclusive dance, and pep rally style celebrations.

The Vikings were also named to the North Carolina ESPN Honor Roll School for inclusion.