Toronto FC and Special Olympics Ontario have announced the roster that will compete against Special Olympics athletes from the Chicago area on Wednesday, July 13, at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The game will take place before the Major League Soccer (MLS) match between Toronto FC and Chicago Fire FC.
Players will take the pitch as part of the Special Olympics Unified Sports Soccer Exchange Program.
The Unified Exchange Program unites players with and without intellectual disabilities as members of one team. Teams partaking in the program travel for exhibition matches and are scheduled alongside MLS matches. Unified players will participate in activities such as jersey unveilings and practices with MLS front office staff and players.
“We’re excited to have this opportunity to again be partnering with Toronto FC on this Unified program. After two long years, this event will provide our athletes with a competitive experience like no other,” President & CEO, Special Olympics Ontario Glenn MacDonell said in a press release.
“Through our partnership with Toronto FC, we are able to provide our athletes with a competitive and meaningful experience, while spreading our message of inclusion and acceptance.”
Below are the participating players from J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate Institute, which is part of the Durham District School Board.
Players:
Usman Alam
Zayd Wassim Bawab
Aseeb Fakhri
Randyll Lacey Graesan Strongman
Jordan William Jeyananthan
Lydia Priya Kirupakaran
Shashvienth Shivamurugan
Noah Thomas Shulist
Sujith Sivasangar
James Sebastian Stewart-Futter
Joshua Thurairajah
Justin Williams
Coaches:
Claire Louise Hardaker
Amanda Marie Morra
Wendy Muir Smith
Special Olympic Staff:
Jason Michael Hussak
Jayden Miller-Boothe