On Thursday, the Colorado Rapids, in partnership with Special Olympics Colorado, held a media day for the Rapids Unified Soccer Team at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Members of the Unified Team were joined by Rapids players Lalas Abubakar and Clint Irwin as they received their uniforms and gear in the First Team locker room before taking their headshots and completing a full media day experience.
Entering its 10th season, the Rapids Unified Team features players both with and without intellectual disabilities between the ages of 16 and 25. The program not only provides Special Olympics athletes with top-level training and competitive experiences, but also offers MLS fans an opportunity to witness the talents and abilities of Special Olympics Colorado soccer players firsthand. The Rapids Unified Team will face off against Real Salt Lake’s Unified Team at Rio Tinto Stadium on July 9 following the Rapids’ MLS game against the Utah side.