ORLANDO, Fla. — Competition kicked off Monday for Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) athletes participating in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida.
The delegation of 74 athletes from across the state will spend the week of June 5-12 in Florida competing for medals against the nation’s top contenders.
Team Michigan's unified soccer team, represented by a team of students with and without intellectual disabilities, took on Team Florida. They battled not only each other but scorching temperatures, too. The weather presented a physical challenge to both teams.
“We tied one-one and scored a nice goal to start the game,” said Unified partner, Shane VanderZee, of Holland Christian High School. “We were battling them the whole day. It’s really fun to be together with all the other athletes across the country. The Unified program really brings people together. Unified is a movement that is happening that is changing lives for good.”
“Everyone had fun, it was really great to be outside and play soccer,” said Special Olympics Michigan soccer player, Jed Comden, also with Holland Christian High School. “It’s a great opportunity, we are blessed. It’s one of the highlights of my life. Playing Unified is important to me because everyone gets a part, even if they have a disability. Everyone feels loved, welcomed and celebrated.”
The Special Olympics Michigan Unified Soccer Team will play Team Bahamas in their next match on Wednesday, June 8, at 8 a.m.
Competition highlights will be broadcasted live on June 7, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on ESPN 2 and again on June 12 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. on ABC/ESPN 3.
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