It will be an eventful week in Columbus, Ohio as the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, presented by Target, and its festivities take center stage from July 20-24.
With plenty of activiations going on throughout the four days in Ohio, it's at the Special Olympics Unified Sports® All-Star Game happening on Tuesday, July 23 that two Portland teens will have their chance to shine.
Special Olympics Oregon athlete Niko Brescia and his Unified partner Alanah Butler Coronado will be reperesenting the Green & Gold in Columbus during the Special Olympics Unified Sports® All-Star Game. The match will be hosted at Historic Crew Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30pm PT. Entry is free for fans attending the festivities.
During a special recognition at the Juy 7 Timbers match, Brescia and Butler Coronado shared what makes being a part of Special Olympics Oregon so fulfilling.
"I'm just happy to have this opportunity to go to Columbus and represent the Timbers," said Brescia. "Just [being able] to play soccer like everyone else.... This is my fifth time doing it, so just to wear [the Timbers jersey] is something special."
"I like that it gives everyone an opportunity to play a sport and be treated fairly", added Butler Coronado. "It's just really important that everyone has a chance to do everything."
How the match works
Furthering the league's shared commitment to social inclusion, MLS and Special Olympics will host the 9th annual Special Olympics Unified Sports® All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio. The Unified Sports East and West All-Star soccer teams are comprised of individuals with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympic athletes) and without intellectual disabilities (Unified partners). The Unified All-Stars will play in an 11 v. 11 competitive match coached by MLS Greats and will be outfitted in custom kits provided by adidas. The event is free and open to the public. The East and West Unified All-Star teams will also be recognized on-field during the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target.
