Special Olympics Florida Announces Unified Rivalry Series Game

Students from Florida State University and the University of Florida Will Compete Alongside Special Olympics Athletes
November 15, 2016 (Clermont, Florida) – Special Olympics Florida announced today that it will be participating in the Special Olympics Unified Sports Rivalry Series presented by ESPN, where 22 National Collegiate Athletic Association teams from rival schools and universities across the country will compete in 12 Unified competitions promoting inclusion and respect. Students from Florida State University (FSU) and the University of Florida (UF) will compete alongside local Special Olympics athletes in a flag football match during the week preceding the collegiate football game.

The Unified Sports Rivalry Series showcases Special Olympics Unified Sports®, where people with and without intellectual disabilities play on the same team, breaking down stereotypes and creating a quick path to friendship and understanding.  The Unified Sports Rivalry Series brings the power of Unified sports to the college environment to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics.  ESPN has served as the Global Presenting Sponsor of Unified Sports since 2013 and is the Presenting Sponsor of the Unified Sports Rivalry Series.

In this Special Olympics Unified Sports Rivalry Series, teams will be comprised of students from their respective universities and local Special Olympics athletes.  The University of Florida launched its first intramural Unified flag football league earlier this year, and teams from both universities have been practicing in the weeks leading up to the Rivalry Series game.

“UF and FSU have been tremendous supporters of Special Olympics Florida and our athletes,” said Sherry Wheelock, President and CEO of Special Olympics Florida. “This is not only an opportunity for our athletes to celebrate their favorite college teams, but also to compete with college students in a fun and spirited environment.”
The UF vs. FSU Unified Sports Rivalry Series Game will take place on November 20, 2016, at 12:00 p.m., at Bill Harkins Field, 210 Leach Center, Tallahassee, FL 32306.

Fans and friends who want to show their support for their favorite school can learn more at http://www.playunified.org/rivalry-series

Contact:
Ellen Herold
Special Olympics Florida
[email protected]
352-243-9536, Ext. 528
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