Vancouver Whitecaps FC will face CF Montréal in the 2021 PLAY UNIFIED competition

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Special Olympics BC will face CF Montréal and Special Olympics Quebec beginning this Tuesday, September 7 in the 2021 PLAY UNIFIED competition.

The full roster consists of 11 Special Olympics BC athletes and 11 players from the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy System, including five boys from the MLS Academy and six girls from the Super REX program in partnership with BC Soccer.

Played though October 31 in a friendly and virtual format, the competition will consist of bi-weekly soccer and fitness challenges between members of both clubs. The results of each bi-weekly challenge will be compiled HERE and the team having won the most challenges will be declared the competition’s winner.

The objective of this program is to provide athletes the opportunity to live a different and unique experience, while offering additional motivation to work out and remain active. Participating academy players have the opportunity to engage with members of their community and develop leadership skills.

The initiative between the professional clubs and Special Olympics chapters aligns with the MLS WORKS cornerstone of Soccer For All, which advocates for an environment of diversity and inclusion through leveraging the power of sport.