Following its first road match of the 2026 season in Nashville, the Inter Miami CF Special Olympics Unified Team will return home on September 5 to face Atlanta United’s Special Olympics Unified Team at Nu Stadium
Six years into a program built around the belief that fútbol is for everyone, the Inter Miami CF Special Olympics Unified Team continues to create opportunities for athletes of all abilities to compete, connect and build lasting relationships through the sport.
The 2026 season began in March with the return of the Inter Miami CF Special Olympics Unified Team, presented by Florida Blue. Since then, the team has continued its journey, with its first road matchup of the year on August 15, when the team traveled to Nashville to face the Nashville SC Special Olympics Unified Team at GEODIS Park.
The matchup marked the first time the two Special Olympics Unified teams have faced one another, bringing together athletes from two Clubs united by a shared commitment to inclusion and the power of sport. Following the Inter Miami CF First Team matchup against Nashville SC, the Inter Miami CF Special Olympics Unified Team took the same pitch to face off the Nashville SC Special Olympics Unified Team. Midfielder/forward Sky Carrizo scored a goal and recorded an assist, while midfielder/forward Darian Sierra also found the back of the net. Goalkeeper Ian Cadavid made nine impressive saves, helping the team secure a thrilling 2-2 draw.
More than the result, the trip provided an opportunity for the athletes to experience the camaraderie that has become a defining part of the Special Olympics Unified program. Each match creates a space for athletes with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to play alongside one another, develop their skills and celebrate their individual strengths as teammates.
“While Inter Miami CF is a global Club, our commitment to South Florida and the communities we call home is undeniable,” said Camila Jocelyn-Holt, Director, Community Engagement, Inter Miami CF. “The Inter Miami CF Special Olympics Unified Team reflects that commitment, creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities to compete, connect and grow through the game we love. We are grateful to Nashville SC for hosting us and for helping make this first-ever matchup between our Unified teams such a meaningful experience.”
Six Years of Building Through Fútbol
Since its launch, the Inter Miami CF Special Olympics Unified Team has grown into an important part of the Club’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities in the South Florida community.
Presented in partnership with Florida Blue, the program brings together athletes with IDD and Unified partners, athletes without an IDD, to form one team and compete together. Over the course of six seasons, the program has created countless opportunities for athletes to step onto the pitch, challenge themselves and form relationships that extend beyond the game.
For defender Emeric Leon, what will stay with him is “how hard each and every player fought. Everyone showed the determination you would expect from a First Team player. Even more admirable is the dedication and love that goes into the Unified Team as a whole. Every time we show up to practice, everyone is smiling, happy and excited to be on the field.”
A Full-Circle Moment at Nu Stadium
The 2026 season will continue with another meaningful matchup on September 5 during the adidas Takeover at Nu Stadium theme night, when the Inter Miami CF Special Olympics Unified Team returns home to face Atlanta United’s Special Olympics Unified Team at the world-class home of Inter Miami CF, Nu Stadium. The Unified Team matchup will take place following Inter Miami CF’s First Team match against Atlanta United at Nu Stadium, giving fans the opportunity to stay and support the Unified Team as they take the field.
The matchup will represent a full-circle moment for the program. Atlanta United was the first opponent the Inter Miami CF Special Olympics Unified Team faced when the program began six years ago. Since then, the relationship between the two Clubs and their respective Unified programs has continued to grow, making their return to the pitch together a fitting reflection of how far the program has come.