FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – At the risk of mixing metaphors, while there were plenty of strikes last Wednesday night at the Revolution’s eighth annual Bowl for a Goal fundraiser, the event itself was a homerun. The entire New England Revolution roster was in attendance at Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Patriot Place for an evening of fun – all in the name of Special Olympics Massachusetts.
In partnership with Arbella Insurance, the Revolution Foundation raised an impressive $100,000, pushing total contributions from Bowl for a Goal over $700,000 to date. Both the Revolution first team and the Revolution Unified squad battled it out on the lanes, celebrating the transformative power of representation in sports.
Fans and players packed the house, bowling side-by-side and proving that inclusion is a victory worth celebrating.
“This is year eight for me with Bowl for a Goal, thanks to our sponsors from Arbella. It’s great to mix the teams and get all the players here to know each other and for everyone to see the amazing personalities of our Unified players,” said Revolution defender Andrew Farrell. “It’s important to mention what we are all here for, raising money for Special Olympics, and for inclusion in sports, and in everything. We are all having a great time, raising money, and raising awareness.”
Farrell has supported the Revolution Unified team and Special Olympics for a full decade, and this season was no different as he and his teammates cheered on the team of Special Olympians and their Unified partners from signing day all the way to the pitch.
“The Unified Revolution partnership lasts from tryouts through this Bowl for a Goal event. They played two matches, had clinics and training, and just a lot of interaction with the New England Revolution players, the entire team and their fans,” explained Mary Beth McMahon, President and CEO of Special Olympics MA. “It really allows us to bring Special Olympics into the limelight where we wouldn't really be able to do that. We live under the umbrella of play unified, live unified, and that's really what we're trying to promote. We’re all able to do sports, no matter your ability.”
The evening marked the close of the 11th Revolution Unified season, which featured two matchdays. The Revs first faced the Colorado Rapids Unified team at Gillette Stadium in late June, before travelling down south to challenge Charlotte FC. Although the Unified Revs didn’t secure a win this season, the year remained a huge success.
For Unified partner athlete Remy St. Germain, being a part of the Revolution Unified team has changed his outlook on life.
“The regard of people with intellectual disabilities is somewhat that they're less than, but I think the mission of Unified really brings together everyone and shows people that you can learn from these individuals, and they're more than what we think,” the 19-year-old said. “For people to come out here and have fun, and for us to be able to show them what we're about, it's great. I went into high school a very insecure guy, kind of lonely. Then I stepped into the Unified environment and everyone's just completely, unforgivingly themselves. I think when you're around that, you take it into your own life. I found my inner peace through it.”
St. Germain was there not just to champion SOMA, but also to celebrate his recent return, alongside teammate Liam Wise, from the MLS Unified All-Star game in Austin, Texas. The duo was called up to represent New England amongst the league’s best on July 23 in an All-Star matchup which ended in a 4-4 draw between the East and West.
According to McMahon, Special Olympics Massachusetts provides sporting opportunities to 19,000 athletes across New England, and the funds raised at Bowl for a Goal play a major role in advancing the mission of SOMA.
So, while competition heated up and pins were sent flying, what would have simply been a fun night between fans and the team, was far more profound. It was an easy, but powerful difference to make for Special Olympics MA, and a reminder that unity and inclusion should be at the heart of every game.
"It is always a special feeling when we can join together with our friends at Special Olympics Massachusetts and Arbella Insurance to celebrate inclusiveness alongside our fans,” said Revolution President Brian Bilello. “We are proud to have such wonderful fans and partners who will help us support many more years of Unified Soccer in New England.”
