Valley City State University was honored as the 2017 Outstanding School by Special Olympics North Dakota at its North Dakota State Awards Banquet at Delta Hotels Fargo on Nov. 18.VCSU President Tisa Mason accepted the award on behalf of the university. VCSU was one of 16 organizations, individuals, and businesses throughout the state recognized for their outstanding commitment and support by Special Olympics North Dakota.For more than 30 years, VCSU has provided facilities for local training and competitions as well as volunteer coaches and unified partners. The university has also provided opportunities for local athletes to participate in sport demonstrations at their games and also serve as ball shaggers and equipment managers. Since 2015 the VCSU athletic department has taken an active role in promoting the integration of the local program with their student athletes with weekly Fun Nights. Academically, the university has offered classroom projects involving their students and Special Olympics athletes.Special Olympics North Dakota provides year-round programs of sports training, athletic competition, and healthy athlete initiatives for 1,600 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in North Dakota. Through work in sports, health education, and community building, Special Olympics addresses inactivity, injustice, intolerance, and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society.