Special Olympics Unified All-Star Game presented by MLS WORKS, ESPN & Coca-Cola
- TODAY - 3:30 PM CT, 4:30 PM EST
- Watch on ESPN3, mlssocer.com and MLS app
- National Sports Center (Blaine, MN)
Bringing together Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners, or people without intellectual disabilities, Charlotte FC's Unified Team represented the Club in one home and one away match this season. Charlotte's athlete Skylar Stevens and partner Evan Andrews were rewarded for their actions on and off the pitch with All-Star selections.
Andrews is originally from Greensboro and currently attends UNC Charlotte. He's athletic, possesses solid technique, and has a high work ethic, however, it's been his willingness to put his teammates first and being quick to help that has made him such a valuable Unified partner.
A Gaston County native, Stevens is an athlete that can strike the ball well and cover a tremendous amount of ground. Like Andrews, Stevens captained his side and led through action. He uplifts his teammates by celebrating their success and giving his all for them.
"Captain, balanced young man, and happy for everyone else’s successes," is how Unified head coach Kevin Sims describes Stevens. "High desire to excel, but also been quick to celebrate anyone else’s success at any turn. Skylar is no exception to that.”
Unified has provided an experience that has positively impacted the lives of every athlete, partner, volunteer, and coach involved.
"It's been more than an exceptional experience. I’ve been so appreciative of a truly unified spirit, coaches, athletes, and partners," said Dustin Swinehart who serves as Charlotte FC's Director of Community Engagement. "It's been a program that has touched all our hearts really deeply.”
The Special Olympics Unified All-Star Game presented by MLS WORKS, ESPN and Coca-Cola will take place on Wednesday, August 10th at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota at 4:30 pm ET where MLS Greats will serve as celebrity coaches for the game.
The event is free and open to the public and will be streamed on ESPN3. The West and East Unified All-Star teams will also be recognized on-field during the MLS All-Game presented by Target taking place at Allianz Field at 8:30 pm ET.
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. Unified soccer teams travel to MLS markets to compete in home and away exhibition matches scheduled in conjunction with MLS first-team matches, and receive unique experiences throughout the season, such as signing days, jersey unveils, buddy programs with MLS first-team players, and matchday recognition.
