NEW HAVEN, Conn. - On Friday, October 23, 2021, the Albertus Magnus College Athletic Department hosted its Second Annual Unified Soccer Tournament, in conjunction with the CIAC/Special Olympics Unified Sports Program, at Celentano Field. Five teams - Albertus Magnus College, Southern Connecticut State University, Town of Milford, Town of Southington, and Town of North Branford - competed in the tournament along with student-athletes from the various 15 Albertus athletic teams.
Members of the Albertus Magnus men's and women's soccer teams served as referees for the games and made a profound impact on the athletes of the competing unified teams. In addition to his officiating, Albertus Magnus men's soccer standout, and SAAC President Declan Ryan acted as Tournament Director, where he helped plan and manage the soccer tournament.
"Friday's Unified tournament far exceeded expectations," said Ryan. "We had a fantastic turnout and I'm so thankful for everyone who came together to make this possible and give these athletes a great day. I can't wait for us to host future even bigger and better tournaments."
"I had so much fun today," said a member of Team Albertus. "My favorite part was playing defense and making new friends."
In September of 2018, Albertus Magnus entered into a partnership with the Amity Regional School District that included a Unified Sports program in both basketball and soccer.
ABOUT UNIFIED SPORTS
Unified Sports® is a registered program of Special Olympics that combines athletes with and without disabilities on sports teams for training and competition.
The CIAC/Special Olympics Unified Sports® Program provides a forum for positive social interaction between students with disabilities and non-disabled students. As Unified® teammates train and compete together they foster ties that develop into friendships both on and off the athletic field.
Participation in Unified Sports® leads to new friendships, improved self-esteem, and positive changes in attitude, behavior, and performance.
The CIAC/Special Olympics Unified Sports® Program helps to foster an inclusive school community where the values of tolerance, patience, and sensitivity are cornerstones.
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About Albertus Magnus College
About Albertus Magnus College: Albertus Magnus College, founded in 1925, is a Catholic College in the Dominican tradition. It is recognized by external rankings such as US News & World Report Best Colleges, Money Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. The College has an enrollment of 1,500 students in its traditional undergraduate program, accelerated adult degree programs, and 12 graduate programs, including a new Master of Public Administration and the only Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program in Connecticut. In the last year, the College received two significant Federal grants in support of student success and well-being: a $300,000 grant from the Department of Justice and a $1.9 million Title III grant from the Department of Education.
