VIDEO & SLIDESHOW: Framingham High One of 155 Schools Recognized Nationally by Special Olympics

Share, email, print, bookmark SOURCE reports.

[broadstreet zone=”54526″]

FRAMINGHAM – Framingham High School received a national honor from the Special Olympics. Framingham High School was one of 155 high schools across America to receive the National Banner Recognition for its unified athletics program.

President and CEO of the Massachusetts Special Olympics Mary Beth McMahaon announced the honor in a YouTube video (see below).

It is the highest level of achievement by Special Olympics for high school athletics.

Framingham High received the award for meeting 10 standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect, said McMahon.

“You have joined an elite group,” said McMahon.

Framingham High is one of just 155 school nation-wide to receive the award for the 2019-2020 school year, out of 6,500 unified schools nation-wide, said McMahon.

Framingham High started its unified sports program three years ago with basketball, and then expanded it to track & field. Both teams are coaches by Mike Tarlin.

Framingham High Athletic Director Paul Spear said Framingham High is one of only 15 high school in the Commonwealth to receive the recognition.

[broadstreet zone=”53230″]

“”Receiving the National Banner recognition for our Unified Athletics program is a celebration of our students, coaches, staff, and community. The Unified Athletics program engages students with and without intellectual disabilities through athletic competitions that empower students and builds lasting friendships. Inclusion is a core value in our school community and we are honored to be among the national high schools that put the abilities of our students above all,” said Framingham High School Principal Carolyn Banach.

“Framingham has a long and great athletic tradition and we are happy that the introduction of Unified Sports just 3 years ago has turned into National Recognition for our school,” said Spear.

“I could not be more proud to lead a school community that celebrates inclusivity in the way that we do,” said Framingham Superintendent of Schools Bob Tremblay. “The National Banner Recognition is wonderful, but the actions by our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators are what truly matter most, and I am honored that Framingham has been recognized on the national stage for their selfless actions and support ALL athletes!”

[broadstreet zone=”59984″]