Costa Rica News – Most soccer games I am not to thrilled to watch in Costa Rica as if I decide to watch soccer I like to enjoy the skills of European teams. However, when this team comes to visit I will want to watch each and every second of these wonderful kids enjoying the game.
A few talented soccer athletes from Chief Sealth High School will compete for the USA against Central and South American teams this May 8-17. What’s unique about this schools team in West Seattle is that they are a Special Olympics Unified Sports Club team. That means that there are 8 athletes with disabilities and 8 “partner players,” without disabilities.
These teens train for free a few days per week after school at Anytime Fitness. The owners of this gym have offered the space to be involved in such a great cause. They have been inspired by their mother’s work as a special education instructor. The owners of the gym where these guys train tell us that one reason they are so passionate about helping the team is because these kids are special in that they are not concerned about being cool, they are just always excited to give 100% of what they can do.
The Special Olympics Global Football initiative will include 12 countries. The event will promote acceptance and respect through sports. Each athlete will represent their country as well as the idea that soccer is powerfully capable of creating hope and overcoming cultural barriers. Besides bringing awareness of athletes with disabilities, this event will lead to the World Cup for Special Olympics in Brazil which will piggyback the World Cup.
