Rio Rancho Elementary School has been named one of ESPN’s top five Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools for 2022. The sports-based television network recognized the school’s Unified Champion program for its commitment to inclusion. The program is based on students with and without disabilities working together toward the same objective.

“Our culture of inclusion has grown significantly through this opportunity and we are just grateful to be a part of it, grateful for the recognition, and excited to keep up the hard work,” Unified Champion program Head Coach Tricia Grajeda told KRQE.

The Unified Champions program in New Mexico, according to its website, is designed to be part of the fabric of the school, “enhancing current efforts and providing rich opportunities that lead to meaningful change in creating a socially inclusive school that supports and engages all learners.”

School officials said ESPN will visit Rio Rancho Elementary School in May to present the school with a special banner.