ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Roseburg High School’s Unified Sports program will receive national recognition on Friday for its work to promote inclusion.

A representative from Special Olympics Oregon will present a banner of national school recognition to the program’s Unified basketball team during half-time of the boys varsity game at the high school. The Unified team will showcase the work the program has been doing to demonstrate inclusion.

Roseburg High School’s Unified Sports program includes four Unified teams – three skill-based basketball teams and one cheer team. Unified Sports involves teams that are made up of both students with disabilities and without.

According to the Special Olympics National School Recognition website, a school can earn the national banner recognition by demonstrating commitment to inclusion by meeting particular standards of excellence. The school must also have an inclusive school climate and exude a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff.

The Unified Sports program earned state recognition from Special Olympics Oregon last school year. At the time, only 15 out of 100 schools in Oregon that participate in Unified Sports had earned the state recognition.

“We are so proud of the work the Unified Sports program has done to make our school feel inclusive and supportive of all students,” RHS Principal Jill Weber said.

Following the banner presentation at half-time, the Unified team members will continue their celebration in the auxiliary gym, where they will be available for photos and interviews. The varsity game is scheduled to start at 6:45 p.m.