Players and coaches from England’s famous soccer team Manchester United came out to Reeves Field on Friday to help Special Olympics athletes in D.C. improve their skills.
Manchester is on a U.S. tour as a warm-up for their upcoming season. They played Barcelona at the home of the Washington Redskins, Fedex Field, on Saturday.
In their time off before the game, the team took in the sights of D.C., touring the White House on Thursday, though according to the Twitter account of striker Michael Owen, they were unable to meet the president. Apparently he’s busy.
At AU though, spectators lined up along the driveway leading up to Reeves field to get a glimpse of the United players and coaches. The field itself was closed off except for athletes and their families.
While the Special Olympics athletes clearly loved this unique experience, it was hard to tell who was having more fun — them or their idols.
“It’s good for us. We’re in a previous position where we are where we can come see people in the community and share our experiences, and have a kick about with them. It’s all good,” United midfielder Tom Cleverley told The Eagle.
This was not just a onetime event. The team has done similar events in cities in which they’ve played on the U.S. tour. And according to the CEO of the Manchester United Foundation, the team hopes that this carries on for years to come. The hope is that volunteers from AON, the United’s main sponsor and who put together the event, will continue what was started in D.C. on Friday.
This was clearly an exciting day for all involved, and hopefully one of many.
“My heart is so warmed,” said Shari Chase, whose son Alec, 15, participated in the day’s events. “It is just a fabulous opportunity. I don’t think one person, whether they’re an athlete or a spectator will ever forget this moment.”
