On Saturday, August 1, 2015, members of our Interscholastic Unified
Sports soccer team played against a New Jersey team of players from Rowan
University’s Special Olympics College unified group at PPL Park prior to the
Philadelphia Union game vs. New York Red Bulls.
Students from Martin Luther King and Chester High Schools received Union
jerseys with their last name on the back, shorts and socks.
Throughout the game, some Philadelphia Union members came to wish our
team luck including midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin, forward Andrew Wenger, defender
Raymond Lee, goalkeeper John McCarthy, and manager Jim Curtin. With high fives
all around, our team was ready to play! Our Unified Philadelphia Union team
looked great on the field. In a very exciting on field experience, our players
walked away victorious 4-2 over New Jersey.
After the Exchange Game, our Philadelphia athletes and partners were
able to enjoy the Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls game. During
halftime, both Unified teams were brought on the field one last time to be
awarded their medals. Sons of Ben (Philadelphia Union’s fan club) gave both
Unified Teams roaring applause and support as the athletes and partners
received their awards. Following the Union/Red Bulls game, both exchange teams
and their families were invited to a reception before heading home.
Philadelphia Union’s Hometown Hero
Prior to the kickoff of the
highly anticipated Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls match at PPL Park, Myra Ausberry was awarded the Hometown Hero Award. The Hometown Hero Award recognizes those
men and women who have made a difference in the lives of others. These
heroes are ordinary people that have made an extraordinary impact through their
service, dedication, knowledge and spirit. The Philadelphia Union looks to
salute those heroes who have inspired people to improve the lives of their
cities, towns, communities and neighbors. Traditional values of teamwork, effort,
accountability, trust and selflessness are the cornerstones of Philadelphia
Union’s Hometown Heroes.
Myra Ausberry has volunteered
countless hours as a coach to athletes in some of the most under served areas of
the city for Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia program. She ensures
that those she engages with know about the opportunities available through
Special Olympics, and provides resources and personal support to them wherever
needed. The energy that Myra brings to her role as a coach is contagious. It is easy to see why the athletes and
families enjoy being around her.
Myra’s support and commitment to
her sports teams every season has not gone unnoticed. She has personally helped athletes compete on both
the local and national level. In
addition, her passion for Special Olympics goes beyond the seven sports she is
certified to coach within the community program. She is also an active
supporter of the Unified Sports program and is particularly known for her
current coaching position with the Martin Luther King High School Unified
Soccer Team.
Congratulations, Myra! We are so
lucky to have such a committed volunteer!
