Coyote Ridge Elementary Earns National Inclusion Honor
The Cheyenne school is now a National Banner School for its commitment to inclusive sports and youth leadership.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Special Education
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Coyote Ridge Elementary in Cheyenne has earned the National Banner School designation from Special Olympics. The recognition highlights the school's commitment to creating inclusive environments through sports and leadership programs.
Why it matters
This designation reflects a high standard of inclusion and advocacy that shapes the school culture and student experience. Meeting these national benchmarks ensures that students with and without intellectual disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in school life.
Coyote Ridge Elementary met all 10 required national standards to achieve this status. It is now among 50 participating schools in Wyoming and part of a broader network of 12,000 schools across the United States.
The players
Special Olympics
An international organization providing sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Coyote Ridge Elementary
A Cheyenne elementary school recognized for its focus on inclusive sports and student activities.
The details
The school achieved this designation by successfully implementing inclusive programs such as Unified Sports, which pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams. Additionally, the school promotes inclusive youth leadership and whole-school engagement activities. These initiatives are designed to foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and advocacy throughout the entire student body.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: Coyote Ridge Elementary received the National Banner School designation.
The Home Front
This achievement aligns with the growing national focus on inclusive education and the adoption of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program. It highlights a shift in local school culture toward prioritizing comprehensive accessibility and shared leadership opportunities for all students.
Parents at Coyote Ridge Elementary can look for upcoming inclusive events and volunteer opportunities that support these student initiatives. Families interested in similar programs elsewhere can contact their local school district to inquire about existing inclusive sports or leadership opportunities.
The takeaway
The designation underscores the importance of school-wide inclusion, advocacy, and respect for students of all abilities. Families can check their own school's participation status in Unified Sports programs through the Special Olympics website to see how inclusive activities are supported in their district.
Further reading
Learn more about local advocacy and support resources in our Special Education section.
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Do you support prioritizing inclusive sports and activities for all students in your local schools?
