The Sweetwater Union High School District promotes social inclusion by encouraging students to engage with the diverse communities around them. Since it was founded, the District has been committed to providing all children with an equal opportunity to receive a quality education.
This year marked a special victory for disabled athletes as the District announced a new rule for the Sweetwater Union High School District’s Unified Sports Track and Field Metro Conference Meet. For the first time ever, the top eight boys and girls in the 4×1 and shot put would get the chance to participate in the CIF San Diego Section Championships held at Mount Carmel High School.
The Sweetwater District is the first out of nine sections in the California Interscholastic Federation to recognize disabled athletes, setting an example for unified sports in other districts across the state.
Worldwide, there is approximately 1.4 million people who participate in unified sports, which empowers individuals with and without intellectual disabilities to come together as one team and practice social inclusion through fun and competitive experiences that breaks stereotypes.
For the past three years, all 13 SUHSD high schools have taken part in the unified sports program, presenting disabled athletes and other minority students the opportunity to play their favorite sports and build strong relationships with their fellow peers.
About the Sweetwater Union High School District
The Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) is the largest secondary school district in California, with more than 42,000 enrolled students and 32,000 adult learners. The district is headquartered in Chula Vista and operates a total of 29 schools: 14 high schools, 11 middle schools, and 4 adult schools. Located in southern San Diego County, near the Mexican border, the district serves the diverse communities of Imperial Beach, National City, Chula Vista, and San Ysidro. Since 1920, the district has won numerous awards for its innovative programs and commitment to student success.