New Switchbacks FC Special Olympics Unified team aims for big goals

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., (KRDO) - The Colorado Springs Switchbacks is teaming up with the Special Olympics for a first-ever unified team, and the organization aims for the goal of having other teams do the same.
 
Yavrin Ben-naim is breaking barriers in the sports world -- he's more than just a Switchbacks intern, he's now the first-ever team manager for the Special Olympics unified soccer team of the USL. The Switchbacks FC Unified Team takes the field for its first game following Wednesday's Switchbacks match against El Paso Locomotive.

"They have accepted me and they believe in my autism and want to show the world that people with special needs can do anything," said Ben-naim.

He's been a Special Olympics athlete for 10 years, and he helped compose the team of 25 Special Olympians along with their peer partners, who are volunteers dedicating their time to be part of this historic team.

"I feel excited about the game and I feel like this will be a good accomplishment," said Yarvin.

For Ilanit Ben-naim, Yavrin's mother and a coach herself, this is huge.

"As a mother of a child with special needs, you just want your kids included, we just want our kids to have a place in the community," said Ilanit.

Their hope is that more teams in the USL will join, creating more opportunities for competition.

"We would love for everyone to get on board, this is just such a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get involved and for everyone to show the world that people with disabilities can do anything when given a chance," added Ilanit.

The Switchbacks FC Unified Team next plays on October 23rd at Dick Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado.

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