On Tuesday, June 7th, Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia
Program (SOPA Philly) continued its strong partnership with the School District
of Philadelphia to present the fourth annual Unified Soccer Championship held
at Abraham Lincoln High School in Philadelphia. Opening Ceremonies for the Unified Soccer
Championship kicked-off at 10:00am with event emcee and 93.3 WMMR DJ Matt Cord,
followed by the Championship game at approximately 12:30pm.
The
Championship matches featured teams from nine Philadelphia high schools from
across the city including: Abraham Lincoln, Universal Audenried Charter,
Frankford, Furness, George Washington, High School of the Future, Martin Luther
King, Sayre, and Thomas Edison. Approximately 100 athletes culminated months
of preparation for these Unified Games and displayed the “best of the best”
during this year’s competition. An Olympics Town provided fun and entertainment for all
guests with activities by
Dave and Busters, Philadelphia Union, and Sambulance. In addition, students from four middle and
elementary schools were in attendance to cheer on the inspiring
sportsmanship of the athletes in action.
Those schools included: Clara Barton Elementary School, Solis-Cohen
Elementary School, Tilden Middle School, and Universal Daroff Elementary
School.
Special Olympics Unified Sports® is an inclusive sports program that
puts athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. This
Interscholastic Unified Sports Soccer elective course, developed in partnership
between the School District of Philadelphia and Special Olympics Pennsylvania,
includes curriculum with youth leadership components, anti-bullying elements
and soccer training and competition. The
course provides greater access to sports for all students, with and without
disabilities. Additionally, a
partnership with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) helps
to provide officials for Unified events.
Check out
news coverage of the Championship by PHL17.
Visit the
Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia program website for more information, games
results and photos!
