MLS WORKS, Major League Soccer’s social responsibility platform, today announced the rosters for the 2023 Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game, which will be played prior to the 2023 MLS All-Star Game in Washington, D.C. on July 19 at Audi Field.
Matt Braithwaite and Joseph Toland will represent Sporting Kansas City on the Western Conference All-Stars after participating in the club's annual Special Olympics scrimmage at Children's Mercy Park on May 28.
As part of the Special Olympics Unified Sports® All-Star experience, MLS WORKS and Coca-Cola will host 52 Unified team members, representing 26 MLS clubs for an 11 v. 11 competitive match. The 2023 Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game presented by MLS WORKS and Coke Zero Sugar will be played on Wednesday, July 19 at 3 p.m. ET at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
The teams, comprised of players with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympics athletes) and without intellectual disabilities (Unified partners), will be outfitted in authentic uniforms provided by adidas. MLS Greats will serve as celebrity coaches for the game. The Unified All-Star teams will also be recognized on-field during the League’s All-Star Game.
The Unified All-Star Game is part of the season-long Special Olympics Unified Soccer Exchange program that provides opportunities for Unified soccer teams to participate in a first-team MLS experience.
The Unified All-Star Game is part of a week of soccer celebrations in the Nation’s Capital. For a full list of All-Star events, visit mlssoccer.com/all-star.Â
About MLS WORKS
Major League Soccer is dedicated to addressing important social issues and improving communities where we live and play our games. Through MLS WORKS, the league’s social responsibility platform, Major League Soccer and its clubs seek to improve the lives of those in need across the United States and Canada. To learn more visit MLSsoccer.com/MLSWORKS and follow @MLSWORKS on Twitter & Instagram.
About Special Olympics
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With more than six million athletes and Special Olympics Unified Sports® partners in over 190 countries and territories and more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 Games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and our blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.
