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Special Olympics Announces Appointment of Newest NELN Members


Network to explore how all students can learn and lead together in ways that increase social inclusion for all.

Washington, D.C. — January 25, 2022 – Special Olympics is pleased to welcome the newest cohort of National Education Leaders Network (NELN) members. Effective December 1, 2021, nearly two dozen national leaders in special education, research, social equity, education leadership and others. The role of the NELN is to support the work of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® strategy by providing insights, direction, opportunities, and access to national education conversations. The program strategically creates sports, leadership, and whole school engagement opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities (ID). The result is a school environment that promotes inclusion and respect for all.

“We enthusiastically welcome our newest NELN members. Their many years of relevant experience and leadership will certainly help accelerate our strategy,” said Andrea Cahn, Vice President of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools. “The members provide this diverse network with a distinguished background and energizing outlook, and we look forward to their expertise and guidance.”

This leadership appointment is part of comprehensive nomination process that occurs every three years. The NELN has been in existence since 2009, and it was restructured in 2021 with the new cohort specifically identified to serve as a think tank.

To learn more about the Special Olympics National Education Leaders Network, contact Betty Edwards at BEdwardsk@aol.com.


About Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is a program in nearly 7,500 schools Pre-K through university across the U.S. that intentionally promotes social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics Unified Sports®, inclusive youth leadership opportunities, and whole school engagement. The three-component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with the knowledge, skills, tools and training to create classrooms and school climates of acceptance, respect, and meaningful inclusion. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in -- and feel a part of -- all activities, opportunities, and functions. The Unified Champion Schools program is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Engage with us on: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Learn more at GenerationUnified.org.