CARSON, Calif. – Landon Donovan’s mother Donna Kenney-Cash taught special education for 30 years, and earlier this month, the LA Galaxy and U.S. National Team legend followed in her footsteps in a small but profound way by participating in the unveiling of the LA Galaxy Special Olympics unified team.
Donovan and former teammate Omar Gonzalez as well as Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena presented the 30 members of the unified team—which is composed of students with and without intellectual disabilities—with contracts that made them official members of the club.
As the Galaxy legend reveled in the happy smiles and high-fives from the squad, Donovan admitted that his own connection to the community helped make his involvement even more meaningful.
“I think that any time that we have an opportunity to do service and help people, it’s great. For me personally, coming from a family where my mom taught special education for 30 years, my sister teaches special education, I have a deeper connection with this,” Donovan told LAGalaxy.com. “When I see the kids, these are the type of kids that I’ve been around my whole childhood. … So it resonates with me very deeply. I’m so excited for these kids.”
That excitement that Donovan felt was certainly matched as the former soccer star was greeted by boisterous cheers from the team while presenting them with their contracts.
Afterward, each team member was given the opportunity to pose for a photo with Donovan and Gonzalez while holding their new personalized Galaxy kit that each will hope to wear in their first game against FC Dallas on August 15.
“My emotions were that I was so happy. I didn’t expect to meet him or Omar,” second-year Galaxy unified team member Cesar Gonzalez of Los Angeles said. “It was great to get to take pictures with them.”
Added LAUSD Sports Manager Melissa Erdmann, “It was a surprise to the team but it was recognition that like any other sports team, they too have credibility as athletes.”
As much credibility as it offered the athletes, the recently retired all-time MLS and U.S. Soccer goal scoring king noted that the signing of 30 Special Olympics athletes spoke to the Galaxy’s deep commitment to causes throughout Southern California.
“This is what separates the Galaxy from every other organization in the league. They want to do things like this,” Donovan said. “It means a lot to people that we spend the time, money, energy and effort to do this.”
The unified team will train for the first time on Tuesday as they prepare for the trip to Dallas later this summer. And as they begin their journey, Donovan promises to support and follow the squad all the way.
“Things like this matter. This helps real lives so it’s cool,” said Donovan. “The important thing is that the kids have some purpose with this and they feel some meaning behind it, and get to compete in something really special. I think for them, it’s a total home run.
“We have a unique platform to effect change and when something like this comes around, I certainly want to be a part of it, and I know the Galaxy do too.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
