LOS ANGELES (Thursday, April 11, 2024) – The LA Galaxy signed 20 new players to contract for the club's LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team ahead of their 2024 season. In addition to signing their official contracts, players were presented with authentic jerseys and complete playing gear set up in their own locker room stalls. Tuesday’s event was the first of many experiences that the LA Galaxy and Herbalife will provide to the LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team this season. The LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team Program is sponsored by their Joint Community Partnership Fund.
Each athlete of the LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team was announced during the 2024 signing ceremony held at Dignity Health Sports Park this past Tuesday, April 9. With their families in attendance, each player signed contracts alongside LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney, LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz and Defender Jalen Neal and then displayed their jerseys for a photo opportunity. Team members also received a tour of the stadium, took a team photo on the field and took their official team portraits.
“The LA Galaxy are proud to champion inclusivity in soccer through the club’s various programs including our Special Olympics Unified Team,” said LA Galaxy Community Relations and Foundation Director Gabriel Osollo. “It was a memorable day alongside our partners at Herbalife and we’re looking forward to an incredible season with this inspiring group of athletes.”
The LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team Program, created in collaboration with MLS Works and Special Olympics, aims to foster an environment of social inclusion bringing together individuals with intellectual disabilities and those without as members of a single team. As part of the program, Herbalife will be the team’s official nutrition partner. Additionally, the team will experience practices, scrimmages, games and travel.
The LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team will kick off the 2024 season against the Chicago Fire Special Olympics Unified Team following the LA Galaxy’s road match on Saturday, June 1 against Chicago Fire FC. The LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team first home match of the 2024 season will be against the Atlanta United Special Olympics Unified Team following the LA Galaxy’s home match on Saturday, August 24 against Atlanta United. Tickets can be purchased at www.lagalaxy.com/tickets.
