New York Jets Launch Unified High School Flag Football League
The 7th Annual Awards
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
ABOUT THIS ENTRY
The New York Jets, in partnership with Special Olympics New York and New Jersey, launched two High School Unified Flag Football Leagues, one in New Jersey (April 2024) with four High Schools and one in New York City (September 2024) with eight high schools to foster inclusion and teamwork among high school students. Each league began with a clinic uniting athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete and celebrate the spirit of inclusion and concluded with playoffs and a championship game.
How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?
The High School Unified Flag Football Leagues in New York and New Jersey have redefined fan engagement by emphasizing inclusivity and community involvement. These leagues exemplify excellence in engagement by creating opportunities for athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete together, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect. By providing uniforms, equipment, and grants to offset participation costs, the leagues ensure accessibility by removing barriers of access and providing opportunities for underserved communities to play football.
This initiative sets a precedent for inclusive sports initiatives, highlighting the role of sports in fostering community and understanding. The leagues' success in promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences inspires the industry to prioritize equal opportunities for all athletes. By setting this new standard, the Jets and Special Olympics are leading the way in redefining fan engagement and promoting a more inclusive sports culture.
Objective
The unique objective behind the creation of the High School Unified Flag Football League was to foster a sense of inclusion and belonging among high school students, regardless of their intellectual abilities. The New York Jets, in partnership with Special Olympics New York and New Jersey, aimed to break down social barriers and create a platform where students with and without intellectual disabilities could come together, compete, and form meaningful connections. The leagues are dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences, inspired by the simple principle that training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. The Jets and Special Olympics hope these leagues serve as pilots for both states to offer Unified Flag Football as an official high school sport in the future, with plans to expand and add teams to the league in 2025. Through the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship, the league aims to build a more inclusive and supportive environment, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and understanding community.
Strategy & Execution
The Jets' strategy for the High School Unified Flag Football Leagues was designed with the modern sports fan in mind by emphasizing inclusivity, community engagement, and the excitement of competitive sports. Recognizing that today's fans value diversity and social impact, the Jets partnered with Special Olympics NY/NJ and Unified Sports to create a platform where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities could come together, compete, and form meaningful connections. The Leagues were launched in each state with combined twelve participating schools who competed in an inaugural season that culminated in semifinal and championship games at MetLife Stadium. The clinics highlighted the spirit of inclusion and teamwork, resonating with fans who appreciate efforts to break down social barriers.
To enhance the fan experience, each team received uniforms, footballs, flag belts, and practice jerseys, along with grants to help offset any participation costs, making the league accessible to all students. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the values of modern sports fans, who appreciate efforts to create inclusive and equal opportunities for all. By promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences, the Jets are fostering a sense of belonging and understanding, which is highly valued by today's sports enthusiasts.
Organizations
- New York Jets
- New York Jets Foundation
- Special Olympics New York/New Jersey
Links
Credits
Mackenzie Fuller
Assistant, Community Relations
New York Jets
Jesse Linder
Vice President, Community Relations
New York Jets
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