March 16, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Atlanta United FC News Release
ATLANTA – Atlanta United announced on Wednesday its 2023 Special Olympics Unified Team, presented by Gallagher. Held at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park, the Unified Team celebrated the start of its seventh season at its annual Signing Day event where players signed their contracts and were joined by Atlanta United players and Unified ambassadors Brad Guzan, Derrick Etienne Jr. and Andrew Gutman.
Launched in 2017, Atlanta United’s Unified Team is part of MLS WORKS’ collaboration with Special Olympics North America (SONA) to form the Special Olympics Unified Sports Soccer Exchange Program. The program unites individuals with and without intellectual disabilities as members of one team to promote an environment of social inclusion through soccer.
“Unified Signing Day is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Atlanta United goalkeeper and Unified Ambassador Brad Guzan. “The Unified Team is not only a joy to be involved with, but it also continuously reminds you why we play soccer, and that’s to have fun. Whether it’s at practice, at games, or riding on the team plane for road trips, the players always have a smile on their face. The connection between the athletes and partners represents everything good about the sport of soccer, and I couldn’t be more proud to help them kick off their seventh season.”
Atlanta United Unified has two matches scheduled this season. The team begins its season against Charlotte FC Unified on May 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It will then travel to Texas to take on FC Dallas Unified on Sept. 2 at Toyota Stadium. Both matches are scheduled in conjunction with the MLS matches and will be held after the conclusion of each match.
Several members from Atlanta United’s official supporters’ groups welcomed the Unified players Wednesday night as they created a matchday atmosphere during their contract signing, which was alongside club President and CEO Garth Lagerwey and Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra.
Gallagher continues for its third season as the presenting sponsor of Atlanta United’s Unified Team.
“We are honored to continue as the presenting sponsor of the Atlanta United Unified Team,” said Christopher E. Mead, Gallagher Chief Marketing Officer. “Gallagher believes in promoting inclusion and supporting the abilities of one another. We are very excited for the new season and to watch these incredible athletes compete at their…
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