This season, Toronto FC teamed up with the Montreal Impact to become the first Canadian MLS clubs to participate in the Special Olympics Unified Program.

In partnership with Major League Soccer, the Unified Exchange Program is the cornerstone of the Special Olympics Unified Sports initiative that leverages the power of sport to promote an environment of social inclusion and offers a First Team MLS experience. Unified soccer teams, comprised of players with and without intellectual disabilities, travel from their home city to other MLS markets to compete in exhibition matches with their Special Olympics counterparts. Unified matches are scheduled in conjunction with MLS club matches, providing MLS fans with an opportunity to witness first-hand the talents and abilities of Special Olympics athletes and unified partners.

“Toronto FC is proud to take part in this initiative led by Special Olympics and help spread their message of inclusion,” said Bill Manning, President, Toronto FC. “Through sport, we have an opportunity to give these athletes competitive and positive experiences and increase the accessibility of soccer to encourage healthy, active lifestyles.”

Throughout the summer, the Special Olympics Unified Team held practice sessions at Kia Training Ground in preparation for their match against Montreal on August 27th. On July 30th, KIA generously donated a suite to the team as they were introduced to the fans at halftime and witnessed TFC defeat New York City FC 4-0.

On August 26th, the team boarded a flight to Montreal alongside the first team. After a hard fought, 2-2 draw with the Montreal Impact Special Olympics Unified Team, the team stuck around for the first team match, seeing TFC defeat their rivals 3-1.

Check out our recap video to get a behind-the-scenes look at our Special Olympics Unified Team.