FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UDI’s partnership with Wingate University aids in being named 2025 Unified College National Champion by Special Olympics North America

Monroe, NC– April 22, 2025. We’re thrilled to announce that Wingate University has been named the 2025 Unified College National Champion by Special Olympics North America! Their partnership with Union Diversified Industries (UDI) has been nothing short of extraordinary and their recognition is well deserved.

“Wingate’s commitment to the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities deserves the highest praise. Having the President of Wingate, Dr. Brown, and his team fully invested in inclusion is a major win for our community and our state. As a proud alumnus of Wingate University, I’m filled with gratitude for their efforts.” — David Casper, Chief Executive Officer, Union Diversified Industries

Over three years ago, UDI began a journey alongside Wingate University to help cultivate a more inclusive community.  Since then, we’ve witnessed countless moments that reflect Wingate’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and belonging.  Signature events like the “All Are Stars Game” for One Day, One Dog and the “Pink Together: Steps for All” Breast Cancer Awareness Walk have brought together UDI individuals, students, staff, and athletes from programs such as Wingate Baseball, Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, Swimming, Volleyball, and many others—creating meaningful connections and celebrating diversity.

Wingate’s athletic programs have truly led the way. From the Women’s Basketball team joining UDI for Christmas holiday events and integrated basketball games, to the Acrobatics and Tumbling team rolling with us for an integrated bowling night and the UCSO Spring Games—these athletes brought joy, fun, and unity to every experience.

A special shoutout goes to the Wingate Softball team, champions of inclusion. Their dedication went above and beyond: hosting, training with, filming alongside, and mentoring our athletes. They even helped form a new softball team, The Union Bulldogs, who proudly earned a Bronze Medal at the 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina State Tournament.

Wingate’s impact extends beyond the playing field. Programs such as Sport Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Julia’s Learning, and the Collaborative for the Common Good all play critical roles in supporting inclusive events and have helped make this national recognition possible.

UDI’s mission to enhance lives remained front and center as the organization rallied resources and people to help Wingate University in ways it needed to win its national championship.  We are incredibly proud of Wingate University and its inspiring students, and we are deeply honored to be part of this journey.  Our team, specifically Michael McLamb, has worked tirelessly to ensure that individuals receiving services at UDI have amazing opportunities through Special Olympics Union County and with the ongoing relationships with Wingate University.

We would be remiss if we did not provide a much-needed recognition and thank you to Amanda Cotter, the 2024 Special Olympics NC Coordinator of the Year and the local coordinator for Union County Special Olympics.  Her commitment to inclusion is inspiring.

About Special Olympics

Unified Champion Schools

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education has supported Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® programming in creating communities of inclusion and shaping attitudes on school campuses across the United States, reaching more than 10,000 schools in 2024. With a focus on Special Olympics Unified Sports®, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement activities, students with and without IDD at every grade level become agents of change, build friendships, and develop inclusive mindsets.

The Unified College Championship Week was a competition coordinated by Special Olympics North America over the course of the week of April 7 – 11, 2025. During this week, Special Olympics North America challenged all colleges across the continent to prove how inclusive they are by completing a long list of challenges and posting the proof of completion of those challenges on Instagram.

About Union Diversified Industries

UDI offers a variety of behavioral health services and employs individuals across varying abilities.  UDI works with multiple managed care organizations to provide services in the homes of individuals, in the surrounding community, and in its 40,000 plus square foot corporate office and facility.

If you or anyone you know with a developmental disability needs additional support personally or vocationally, please reach out to UDI.  They are a premier provider of services and maintain the highest possible accreditation from CARF International, an accreditation organization for service providers across the world.

About Wingate University

Founded in 1896 — the original campus is located in Wingate, North Carolina, and one additional campus located in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The university serves more than 3,400 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.

The mission of Wingate University is to develop educated, ethical and productive global citizens. Following its Judeo-Christian heritage, the university seeks to cultivate the following in its students: Faith, Knowledge and Service.

Media Contact: David Casper, Chief Executive Officer (david.casper@udincorg or 704-289-1571)