Special Olympics athlete Justin and Unified partner Amiri earned the unique opportunity to represent the San Jose Earthquakes and Special Olympics Northern California in July’s 10th annual MLS Unified All-Star Game in Austin, Texas.
“It meant a lot to represent the Earthquakes and Special Olympics NorCal,” said Amiri. “Growing up in the Bay Area, I went to Quakes games as a kid and have always been a huge soccer fanatic. I dreamed of playing professionally for the Earthquakes, and while that dream didn’t come true in the traditional sense, being able to represent them at this level — and represent my home — was one of the best experiences of my life.”
The MLS Unified All-Star Game is part of an inclusive initiative between MLS WORKS and Special Olympics to bring together individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Unified teams play exhibition matches alongside MLS games during the season, highlighted by the All-Star East vs. West matchup each year. The MLS Unified All-Star Game featured one athlete and Unified partner from each MLS club.
“I’ve worked so hard to become the best player I can be,” said Justin. “So it was a huge honor to represent the San Jose Earthquakes in the All-Star Game.”
Pairs from across the country gathered in Austin for training, media activities, social trips and meet-and-greets with MLS players. Amiri and Justin had the opportunity to meet Earthquakes All-Star Cristian Espinoza, who was representing the Quakes in the MLS All-Star Game. And while the activities and experiences were fun, Amiri said that the game itself was his favorite part.
“I love soccer, and playing is what I enjoy most — and that’s what we were there to do,” said Amiri. “Although, it was incredible to be around some of the best soccer players in the country, past and present, stepping on the field and doing what I love, while representing my home, was truly the highlight.”
The match lived up to the hype, ending in the first tie (4-4) in several years. Amiri – a West team captain – scored one of the four goals for his squad. Both teams left with pride and a reminder of the power of inclusion in sports for people of all abilities.
“I love playing team sports and being a part of the Quakes Unified team because no matter your skill level or experience in your sport, you’ll always have teammates that will help you and encourage you to do the best that you can,” said Justin.
“My favorite part of Unified Sports is the community it builds,” said Amiri. “Just within the Quakes Unified team, we’ve grown so close and work really well together both on and off the field. When we get to represent the Quakes at the MLS All-Star Game, it’s amazing how quickly we form connections with people we’ve never met. Those friendships are built through shared experiences, and that’s what makes Unified Sports and Special Olympics so special.”
The Earthquakes Unified team continues to train and compete this season, having recently participated in the Unified California Clasico along with teams from the Sacramento Republic FC, LA Galaxy and LAFC. Special Olympics NorCal is proud to have two amazing Unified teams from the Earthquakes and Republic FC representing our community!
