Sporting Kansas City has signed 14 players from Special Olympics Kansas and Special Olympics Missouri to two-game contracts, the club announced today.
The unified team will take the field Sunday night at Children's Mercy Park immediately after Sporting's MLS match against the New York Red Bulls, which kicks off at 6 p.m. CT. Tickets for the nationally televised contest are available now at SeatGeek.com.
After Sporting and New York exit the pitch, supporters are encouraged to stay in their seats for a Special Olympics Unified Soccer exchange game between Special Olympics Sporting Kansas City and Special Olympics New York Red Bulls.
The second game of the evening doubleheader will include player introductions, warmups and a National Anthem performance, giving both teams a professional pregame experience. The sides will then square off 7-v-7 for two 15-minute halves before being recognized in an on-field, commemorative medal ceremony after the game.
The 14 new signees will represent Sporting for the second time on June 23, traveling to face Special Olympics Columbus at MAPFRE Stadium after Sporting squares off with Columbus Crew SC at 6:30 p.m. CT.
The Special Olympics Sporting Kansas City team features players from both Special Olympics Kansas and Special Olympics Missouri, marking the fourth straight year the two organizations have united for an exchange game at Children’s Mercy Park.
Sporting Kansas City is among the several clubs connecting with local Special Olympics chapters to host exchange games in their venues, giving athletes with intellectual disabilities a unique opportunity to shine under the stadium lights. The annual exchange games are a product of the partnership between Special Olympics and MLS WORKS, Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues while serving as a platform for both league and club philanthropic programs.
Special Olympics and MLS began their partnership in 2013 to promote awareness, respect, acceptance and inclusion of Special Olympics athletes throughout the soccer community.
Special Olympics Sporting Kansas City Roster
<strong>#</strong> |
<strong>First</strong> |
<strong>Last</strong> |
<p align="center">1</p> |
<p align="center">Kade</p> |
<p align="center">Thompson</p> |
<p align="center">2</p> |
<p align="center">Jordan</p> |
<p align="center">White</p> |
<p align="center">3</p> |
<p align="center">Ben</p> |
<p align="center">Miller</p> |
<p align="center">4</p> |
<p align="center">Jax</p> |
<p align="center">Leal</p> |
<p align="center">5</p> |
<p align="center">Harley</p> |
<p align="center">Rich</p> |
<p align="center">6</p> |
<p align="center">Xavier</p> |
<p align="center">Seaton</p> |
<p align="center">7</p> |
<p align="center">Trey</p> |
<p align="center">Toliver</p> |
<p align="center">9</p> |
<p align="center">Lauryn</p> |
<p align="center">Airy</p> |
<p align="center">14</p> |
<p align="center">Payton</p> |
<p align="center">Storms</p> |
<p align="center">15</p> |
<p align="center">Aeriana</p> |
<p align="center">Ortiz</p> |
<p align="center">19</p> |
<p align="center">Jaydyn</p> |
<p align="center">Hickel</p> |
<p align="center">22</p> |
<p align="center">Mayson</p> |
<p align="center">Sprague</p> |
<p align="center">23</p> |
<p align="center">Jordan</p> |
<p align="center">Eubanks</p> |
<p align="center">24</p> |
<p align="center">Payton</p> |
<p align="center">Sprague</p> |
