For the second time in three years, Champions Together came to East to encourage the inclusion revolution. Champions Together is a partnership between Special Olympics and IHSAA that gives students with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to compete in the same sports as the rest of the student body. It focuses on leadership among student athletes while changing the lives of those with disabilities.

“We formed the committee my freshman year and I was the Freshman representative,” junior Morgan Meier said. “Now I will continue being the representative for my grade till my senior year.”

On Thursday, Mitch Bonar gave a speech on his experiences with the new program while also showing us we aren’t as different as we think. The Nobelsville High School graduate spoke about his challenges overcoming cerebral palsy, a condition that affects body movement and muscle coordination. Champions Together gave him so much opportunity and fun, but most importantly, created relationships that will last a lifetime.

Many have benefitted from Champions Together. “It gives people more opportunities to do stuff to help be involved in the school,” said teacher Josh Gonsior.

The convocation encouraged East students to get involved in the inclusion revolution. The program will be starting the “Stop the R” campaign during lunch, and will have a table outside of the offices for students to sign up during the last week of January and first week of February. Together, Champions Together can make a difference.