Austin FC partners with Special Olympics Texas

Austin FC partners with Special Olympics Texas to create a unified team

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : October 29, 2020


10/28/2020 -- As Major League Soccer starts its upcoming season, Austin FC will be partnering with Special Olympics Texas to create a unified team.
 
On October 23rd, Andy Loughnane, President of Austin FC, has announced that they will be partnering with Special Olympics Texas to create a unified team that creates a roster with both abled and disabled athletes that will allow them to participate in the MLS Unified Program.
 
"We are very excited to partner with Austin FC to be able to bring an opportunity like this to Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) athletes,” said Unified Champion Schools Marketing Manager Jessica Kilbane. “Both Austin FC and SOTX have built strong communities around social inclusion and equity, making this a logical next step for both organizations. We cannot wait to see where this experience takes our Austin-area athletes and partners!"
 
This is a unique opportunity for both Special Olympics Texas and Austin FC, who share a crucial core mission of fostering inclusivity and acceptance, to integrate their core values to recruit athletes with and without disabilities to train and participate in unified matches.
 
The unified team will play exhibition matches either immediately before or after Austin FC home games at McKalla Place in North Austin.
 

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 58,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.  Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.