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MLS Toronto FC

Toronto FC and Special Olympics Ontario Unveil Unified Exchange Roster

July 25, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC News Release


Toronto FC and Special Olympics Ontario announced today the 12-player roster that will compete in the 2019 Special Olympics Unified Sports Soccer Exchange Program in Toronto on Saturday, August 24. The team will face off against a roster of Special Olympics athletes from the Quebec area, chosen by the Montreal Impact and Special Olympics Quebec, with kick-off set for noon at BMO Field.

"We look forward to this event every year," said Bill Manning, President, Toronto FC. "Toronto FC is proud of the athletes who represent Special Olympics Ontario and we enjoy supporting them in their efforts."

The Unified Exchange Program is the cornerstone of the Special Olympics Unified Sports initiative in partnership with Major League Soccer and ESPN that leverages the power of sport to promote an environment of social inclusion. 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. This past weekend, the Toronto FC Unified team held their first training session at the team's BMO Training Ground. Prior to training, the athletes received customized Toronto FC jerseys and a special welcome from Ali Curtis, General Manager, Toronto FC.

"The relationships between Special Olympics Ontario, MLS and Toronto FC is really special," said Glenn MacDonell, President & CEO, Special Olympics Ontario. "The unique opportunities provided to our athletes to take part in incredible programs and initiatives help us share a message of inclusion and acceptance. It also showcases the dedication of MLS and TFC players and staff to our mission of improving the lives of Ontarians with an intellectual disability through sport."

As the Official Broadcaster of Special Olympics and the Global Presenting Sponsor of Unified Sports, ESPN is asking its partners, viewers, and sports fans around the world to take the "Choose to Include" pledge to help Special Olympics reach the goal of 7 million acts of inclusion and support ESPN's mission to use the power of sport to inspire social change. Individuals can take the pledge by texting 'MLS19' to 51-555 or by visiting www.specialolympics.org/MLS.

2019 SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO UNIFIED EXCHANGE MATCH ROSTER

No. Name Position Role Birthdate Hometown

12 Keeley Aird Defender Unified Partner 7/12/2001 Markham

17 Jordan Bartraw Midfielder/Forward Special Olympics Athlete 9/4/2000 Napanee

1 Bradley Bowen Goalkeeper Special Olympics Athlete 8/5/1997 Mississauga

16 Paige Fox Midfielder/Forward Special Olympics Athlete 9/19/2002 Napanee

4 Andria Katsios Defender/Midfielder Unified Partner 6/21/1994 Vaughan

11 Franck Koffi Midfielder/Forward Special Olympics Athlete 10/18/1995 Toronto

22 Ruby Lappin Defender/Forward Special Olympics Athlete 6/5/1997 Newmarket

26 Justin Massa Midfielder/Defender Unified Partner 1/2/1996 Toronto

10 Eddie Nicks Midfielder/Forward Special Olympics Athlete 10/1/1996 Mississauga

9 Emily Panousis Midfielder/Forward Unified Partner 1/11/1999 Toronto

19 Justin Tsang Defender/Midfielder Unified Partner 10/29/2003 Markham

31 Justin Williams Defender/Midfielder Special Olympics Athlete 3/1/2001 Ajax

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