Special Olympics soccer players on the podium in tournament

Final score, shown in upper right corner, at Saturday's Utah United Special Olympics soccer team when they played against Colorado at the REAL SL, MLS Stadium in Sandy. Photo: Madi Holland

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — On Friday and Saturday the Special Olympics Utah (SOUT) Unified Soccer Team and it’s Park City Mountaineers FC each played in two separate games in Salt Lake City.

SOUT played its Colorado counterpart at the America First Stadium in Sandy, home of REAL Salt Lake and The Utah Royals.

Scott Weaver, SOUT President and C.E.O. previously ran Special Olympics Colorado and is working on forming a Utah Royals Unified Team. 

“This exciting game, supported by Major League Soccer brought together the two Rocky Mountain rivals – RSL Unified and the Colorado Rapids Unified. Utah used their talents, played courageously, and kept pressure on their opponent to even the score, however, the win earned the Colorado Rapids Unified the opportunity to take home the Rocky Mountain Unified Cup. Congratulations to them,” Weaver said.

The first half ended 0-0, and halfway through the 2nd half, a Rapid Unified striker hit the back of the net from 30 plus meters out to take a one-goal lead. The Rapid defense held tight and won the game 1 to 0. 

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The Park City Mountaineers, including players from the Heber Howlers’ Metro Salt Lake City tourney was at the Salt Lake Community College in Taylorsville where they finished in third place defeating the Tooele County Giants 6-2 for the bronze. The Spectrum Academy Team from North Salt Lake stood atop the podium.

“The RSL Unified Team continues to break down barriers and show what inclusive sport can be,” SOUT Board member, Park City resident, and Mountaineers volunteer Dan Alldridge told TownLift.

“It’s amazing to see our athletes on America First Field enjoying the same opportunities as those without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Unified Sports promotes social inclusion, and there aren’t many better ways than playing the most popular sport in the world together.”

He’s excited about the continued growth of the Park City Mountaineers program.

Although Nathaniel Mills was a three-time Winter Olympian, he’s leading these athletes in summer sports like soccer.

“Great showing from the Mountaineers FC in their debut,” He, the head coach and manager told TownLift.

Mills explained how Park City Mountaineers are now focused on training for the Special Olympics Utah State Games on June 7, and 8 in West Valley City for Track & Field and swimming. Mills is also busy arranging a ‘Wasatch Back’ Special Olympics soccer tournament ‘friendly’-style game against the Heber Howlers on June 1. 

Weaver mentioned the Park City Young Men’s Service League the national group with the Park City Chapter brings together mom’s and their sons to do community service. They have supported a number of SOUT events, and traveled down from Park City to volunteer at the Metro tournament to support the Park City Mountaineers.

To make a donation to the Park City Special Olympics Mountaineers nonprofit, email SOUT.ParkCity@gmail.com.

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