Sporting Kansas City has signed 21 players from Special Olympics Kansas and Special Olympics Missouri to two-game contracts, the club announced today. The unified team will take the field Saturday following Sporting KC’s MLS match against the Houston Dynamo, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. CT (tickets).
After Sporting KC and Houston exit the pitch, supporters are encouraged to stay in their seats for a Special Olympics Unified Soccer exchange game between Special Olympics Kansas City and Special Olympics Houston.
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 11-v-11 for two 15-minute halves before being recognized with an on-field, commemorative medal ceremony after the game.
Before Saturday's game between Sporting KC and Houston, fans can visit The Victory Project tent on the Toyota Plaza to design their own posters to show support during the exchange game. In addition, all supporters who stay for the match will be permitted to take any empty seat inside the stadium.
The 21 new signees will don a Sporting uniform for the second time on Aug. 4, traveling to face Special Olympics Houston at BBVA Compass Stadium after Sporting KC and Houston square off for the third time in a six-week period.
The Special Olympics Kansas City team features players from both Special Olympics Kansas and Special Olympics Missouri, marking the third straight year the two organizations have united for an exchange game at Children’s Mercy Park.
Sporting Kansas City and Houston are 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.
