Canyon Ridge recognized as a Top 5 school in the nation for unified athletic programs
Canyon Ridge was honored as an ESPN Top 5 Special Olympics Unified Champion Banner School
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The gym inside Canyon Ridge High School was rocking Friday afternoon beacuse the school was recognized at the national level for something pretty great.
Canyon Ridge was honored as an ‘ESPN Top 5 Special Olympics Unified Champion’ Banner School.
The Riverhawks were chosen because the school met all the national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect.
The honor, sponsored by ESPN and Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, recognizes schools across the country whose efforts to support special needs athletes and participants go above and beyond what’s expected.
Special Olympics Idaho CEO Kristi Kraft says this honor is a testament to the student body at Canyon Ridge and their willingness to be as inclusive as possible.
“When our youth are involved, it’s always a success out into our community. We have a lot of leaders in school who will eventually become business owners and people out in the world that will continue to bring that inclusion into those jobs,” said Kraft.
Twin Falls Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Brady Dickinson says since day one – it’s been the goal of Canyon Ridge to be a place where everyone is welcomed.
“When Canyon Ridge opened back in 2009, one of the missions and visions for the school was to create a school where every student felt welcomed. The way we’ve been able to infuse Special Olympics and be able to find activities and celebrate all the students within the school, I think, has been moving. I’m just really proud of the efforts here at this school and just the opportunities they’ve given every child,” said Dr. Dickinson.
Canyon Ridge has roughly 50 unified sport and partner athletes who participate in a range of sports and activities including soccer, basketball, track, bowling, and Esports.
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