As Inter Miami begins its historic 2026 season at Nu Stadium, the club reaffirms its dedication to inclusivity and diversity through its sixth consecutive year supporting the Special Olympics Unified Team. Partnering with Florida Blue, Inter Miami promotes social acceptance by creating a space where athletes of all abilities can thrive both on and off the pitch.
On March 3, at a special signing event at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, 25 athletes, including 18 returning players, signed contracts to represent the 2026 Unified Team. The event featured a visit from coach Javier Mascherano and support from Florida Blue representatives, emphasizing the importance of community and empowerment.
Florida Blue Market President David Wagner highlighted the mission: “Our Unified team promotes inclusion, acceptance, and empowerment, helping athletes develop skills, build relationships, and achieve their full potential—it’s about better health for individuals and communities.”
The team is guided by coaches Daniel Cartaya, Frank Marion III, and Ben Applefield from Inter Miami CF Academy. Key players include Alain Figueroa, Alan Garcia, Andre Guevara, among others, with five team members set to compete at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota this June.
The 2026 Unified Team will play two crucial matches—one against Nashville SC on August 15 and a home game on September 5, fostering community spirit and raising awareness for inclusion. Inter Miami’s commitment continues to make South Florida a welcoming space for individuals of all abilities, proving that sport is a powerful platform for change.
Fans can follow along with updates on the community efforts of the Inter Miami CF Special Olympics Unified Team by visiting https://www.intermiamicf.com/community/foundation.