RamWire: University Selected as National Banner School by Special Olympics

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Inclusion stands as one of the 11 guiding principles in Colorado State's athletics mission, one which the department strives to create an impact beyond the borders of the campus and into the Fort Collins community.

On Sept. 6, Colorado State's director of community engagement and fan experience, Patrick Krza, was informed via letter from the Special Olympics that CSU was the only university to earn the distinction of a National Banner School as part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools National Recognition Program. ESPN made a national announcement on Saturday.

CSU, as well as high schools Miami Southridge Senior (Florida), Bullitt East (Kentucky), Hendrickson (Texas) and Fife (Washington) were the five schools to have met the 10 national standards of inclusion; each was nominated by their state Special Olympics program and will take part in a national banner presentation.

"There's no question inclusion is important to us," Krza said. "I think that's all about Joe Parker (director of athletics), Chris Ferris (senior associate athletic director) and Steve Cottingham (deputy director of athletics) on the senior staff, they are all vested into the importance and all it does is strengthen it even more. It's an important piece of what we do as an athletic department."

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools is a program ranging from the elementary to university level which intentionally promotes meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create an accepting school environment through the utilization of three interconnected components: Special Olympics Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership and whole-school engagement.

Through the program, Special Olympics strives to create a Unified Generation. At Colorado State, everyone plays a role, as athletic administration and student-athletes take part in promoting the objective.

"We do these things without the intention of gaining any kind of recognition, and it's something that's been consistently a part of our DNA and is who we are," CSU director of athletics Joe Parker said. "I have to give a lot of credit to Patrick on our staff, because this is something he's put a big focus on. He's really built the relationship and, over time, figured out ways to enhance the Unified football game."

One will find the outreach on campus is all encompassing, with student organizations such as Special Olympics College and Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement (SLICE) doing their part to make Colorado State a welcoming and inviting community.

Jeff Franklin, the Northeast Regional Special Olympics Director, credits the combined work of the SO College and the athletic department for the university being recognized. Under the guidance of Mallory Gustin, a CSU senior, the SO College has grown to a seven-person board, and it was their work on the application which led to a rather fitting honor for a university he considers a great partner.

"There's a reason they were picked. The SO College for the last two years under the leadership of Mallory has just taken it to new places, things we didn't think were possible," he said. "The fact we have opportunities year-round school wise for our athletes, as well as people on campus, is remarkable.

"They're top-notch. What started as a one-day kickball tournament three years ago has turned into yearly, around-the-clock unified leagues for all team sports, and you add that on top of we have solo events. We will partner with Patrick in the athletic department and hold clinics. Then you add the athletic opportunities for athletes to attend men's and women's basketball game and CSU football games and be recognized at halftime."

Gustin is impressed with the university's footprint. Whether it is her group or activities through the athletics department, she sees positive work being done with a heartfelt effort to strengthen programs.

"I personally believe we are growing more and more inclusive every year I've been here," Gustin said. "I'm currently a senior, and I've seen more clubs pop up on campus and even the No Place For Hate campaign. There can always be improvement, but I do feel like CSU is a very inclusive place.

"We are over the moon about this honor. We have grown two years ago from five athletes and 10-15 committed students coming to our events and be a part of our club. To see those numbers exponential rise and the programs we offer being successful on campus, we're very grateful, but we're really excited to keep growing."

Krza could not be more appreciative of the participation of Colorado State's student-athletes, and in turn, the way they represent themselves in the department. Since July, the group has put in a combined 1,700 service hours, and more importantly, they care about what they are doing.

He said he's received nothing but positive feedback about their involvement, from organizers to the Special Olympians and their families.

Nico Carvacho, the NCAA Division I leader in rebounding in men's basketball last season, has come to know a few of the Special Olympians, as they are regular fans at his games. He enjoys returning the favor by cheering them on and giving out as many high-fives as he can produce.

To him, and many of his fellow CSU student-athletes, the time spent volunteering is a gift and shows the reality of how welcoming the university has become.

"It's really cool, just being able to have somebody cheer for them like they cheer for us," he said. "I love giving back to them. At the Unified game a few weeks ago, the whole team was having fun, jumping around, cheering. It was a competitive environment, but a fun environment.

"I'm really happy we were able to do that. It shows we're more than just an athletic department. Everything we do on campus people don't hear about are really cool and we do them as a CSU community. Everybody should be included in all of these things. Everybody should be a 'One.' No matter who you are or what you do, you should especially feel like you are a part of something."

One of the most successful events Krza has helped organize is the Unified Football game against the University of Colorado, which was played this year at Canvas Stadium the same week as the Rocky Mountain Showdown. The leaders of both institutions have made a pledge to continue the game, even in years the collegiate game is not scheduled.

Krza's group is working hard to set up a Unified Basketball game, with the logistic planning ongoing. He sees the work of others on campus and loves the fact there are many organizations doing their part, either together or on their own.

TGIF – Thank Golly It's Friday – holds proms for special needs students, as does Night To Shine. There are bowling events, basketball teams play at halftime of some games and the university helps host various field days, as well as a main push by Special Olympics, the state flag football tournament. CSU hosted it last year, using six fields to house 60 teams, an increase of 20 entrants.

Krza was honored Colorado State is on the list of the first National Banner Schools, but it won't change his mission. For him, there was a commitment made long ago, and while they are enthusiastic in their work, the goal remains to increase awareness and participation.

"We don't do this because we want accolades. We do this because it's the right thing to do, and it's important to our community," Krza said. "To me, it's an honor. This took a village, it took a bunch of us on campus. We organize events because it's the right thing to do, and it's an honor for us to be partnered with such a great organization.

"It's the right thing for our community. We want to strengthen our community, and it's not just about people with special needs. It's important to have that inclusion for everybody to be a part of the community."

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