The 2017 All-Star Exchange Game features two Audenried Students, Jeremiah Ellis and Robert Esquilin. This is the 4th Annual All-Star Exchange game held through a partnership between MLS, ESPN and Special Olympics, the Unified All-Star Exchange match is scheduled in conjunction with the MLS All-Star Game, providing MLS fans with an opportunity to witness first-hand the talents and abilities of Special Olympics athletes and unified partners. Ellis and Esquilin will represent the Philadelphia Union as part of the All-Star East Team and join other Special Olympics athletes and partners representing a New England Revolution, Columbus Crew SC, New York City FC, Chicago Fire, NY Red Bulls, DC United, Toronto FC, and Orlando City SC.The 2017 All-Star Exchange Game will take place in Chicago, Illinois for a week filled with soccer, sportsmanship and some volunteering in the community. Ellis and Esquilin will be accompanied by their teacher and coach, Susie Reece. Our small crew leaves on Monday, July 31st and returns on Thursday, August 3rd – hopefully with a gold medal!
Keep an eye on Twitter as the game happens on Wednesday, August 2nd. Follow us (@SOPAPhilly), MLS Works (@MLSWORKS), and ESPN (@ESPNCitizenship) as we all provide coverage during the game!
In the News: Special Olympics All-Star Soccer Match presented by MLS Works & ESPN
MLS WORKS, Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, is dedicated to addressing important social issues and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs. MLS WORKS seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport. MLS WORKS has helped to improve the communities where we live and play our games by executing programs and campaigns that focus on cancer research and treatment, anti-discrimination, community service, health and wellness, environmental sustainability and accessibility to soccer. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @MLSWORKS.
ESPN is proud of its relationship with the Special Olympics, which spans more than 30 years. It is the global media partner for the 2017 Special Olympics World Games, the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games and the 2019 Special Olympics World Games, and previously provided multi-platform coverage of Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles (LA2015) as well as coverage of the 2011 World Games in Athens on ESPN3. Since 2013, ESPN has been the Global Presenting Sponsor and Official Media Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports, which bring athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates.