Fertitta Middle School Honored as Special Olympics Unified Champion School

Southwest valley campus recognized for commitment to inclusion and respect

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:27pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of sports equipment like a basketball, soccer ball, and other athletic gear, rendered in a high-contrast, neon color palette that captures the energy and inclusivity of the school's Unified Champion program.Fertitta Middle School's commitment to inclusive sports and activities is celebrated through a vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration.Las Vegas Today

Fertitta Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada has been recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School by Special Olympics Nevada and ESPN. The school was honored for meeting 10 national standards of excellence, including integrating unified sports teams that bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights Fertitta Middle School's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of ability, can participate and thrive. By embracing the principles of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program, the school is setting an example for how to create a more equitable and supportive educational experience.

The details

To receive the Unified Champion School designation, Fertitta Middle School had to demonstrate its dedication to inclusion across various aspects of school life, from sports to extracurricular activities. The school celebrated the honor with a banner unveiling ceremony attended by WWE stars Chad Gable and Ivy Nile.

  • Fertitta Middle School was recognized as a Unified Champion School in April 2026.

The players

Fertitta Middle School

A middle school located in the southwest valley of Las Vegas, Nevada that has been recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School for its commitment to inclusion and respect.

Greg Siqueiros

The principal of Fertitta Middle School, who believes that this kind of inclusive approach should be a focus at every school.

Ivy Nile

A WWE star who attended the banner unveiling ceremony at Fertitta Middle School and expressed her love for working with Special Olympics and the WWE community.

Special Olympics Nevada

The local chapter of the Special Olympics organization that recognized Fertitta Middle School as a Unified Champion School.

ESPN

The media company that partnered with Special Olympics to honor Fertitta Middle School and 44 other schools on their Unified Champion Schools honor roll this year.

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What they’re saying

“We want them to include special education students on any level. So if you can incorporate them in sports, if you can incorporate them in after-school activities, we want them to just try. And when they try, they're going to see that it makes a huge difference in that child's life.”

— Greg Siqueiros, Principal, Fertitta Middle School

“We're just so blessed to be a part of this community. And, you know, the moment I stepped into this school, it was the energy. It was just incredible.”

— Ivy Nile, WWE Star

What’s next

Fertitta Middle School plans to continue its focus on inclusion and respect, serving as a model for other schools in the region.

The takeaway

Fertitta Middle School's recognition as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when schools prioritize creating an environment of acceptance and belonging for all students, regardless of their abilities. This approach not only benefits the students directly involved, but also fosters a more inclusive and compassionate school community.