This year the Special Olympics Unified Sports Program held a flag football game at the Miami Beach convention center.
Joined by family, friends, mascots, and cheerleaders, Homestead Senior High School received the pleasure of being the school that was picked to participate in this event. This event will allow local athletes with the Special Olympics a chance to show off their skills on the field.
The Special Olympics Unified Sports Program, founded in the 80s, gives athletes with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to compete on a more challenging level. These programs are found in different communities and schools all over the US.
Pro Player Insiders had the opportunity to speak with Chris Bence, Director of Global Strategic Partnerships for the Unified Sports program. “We want people to know that the Special Olympics does not look one way. We have athletes of all ages that are involved and we don’t only do a track meet once a year”, Chris said.
The partnership between ESPN (the Global Unified sponsor), NFL, and Special Olympics allows for athletes to compete on different levels at different sporting events. Because this was a special event for the Super Bowl, the NFL decided to give one lucky kid Super Bowl tickets! Logan, a Unified partner and a Florida high school student who brought The United sports program to his school, was the winner. The Special Olympics nominated Logan and his family as the family of the year. The NFL found about about his story, invited him to participate in the flag football game and thought it would be a great idea to honor him. Logan says, “inclusion is important and can change lives.” If you want to be a part of a life changing experience checkout your local school system or SpecialOlympics.com.