The first-ever “Special Olympics Unified Football Cup organized by Special Olympics International was held at Toyota Park and CIBC Fire Pitch in Chicago, Illinois, USA 17-21 July 2018.

The Unified Cup was held as a part of the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary Celebration, A total of 344 players on 24 teams from 21 countries participated in the Unified Cup. A total of 104 staff members from Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) volunteered.

Nagoya Grampus Eight partnered with the Special Olympics Nippon’s unified football team from the Fukushima prefecture. Nagoya Grampus Academy Director and former Japanese national player Mr. Motohiro Yamaguchi served as an ambassador and advisor to Special Olympics Nippon’s unified football team.

Global football legends attended the Unified Cup. Zico (former Brazilian national player who played in Japan’s J-League) and Didier Drogba (former Chelsea F.C. and Cote d’Ivoire national player) cheered on the players.

You can read more here at SO Nippon’s official web site.
(only available in Japanese)