Be a Fan in the Stand at the Unified Cup with Our Charitable Foundation

Detroit will soon be welcoming more than 300 athletes from over 20 nations to compete in the world’s most popular sport: soccer! The Special Olympics Unified Cup is taking place from July 31st to August 6th, 2022. Our Charitable Foundation is the Official Fans in the Stands Sponsor, and we hope you can join us in cheering on the athletes!

“Our volunteer Fans in the Stands will have a unique opportunity to observe these athletes in action and will no doubt take away incredible experiences from the event that they will feel compelled to share with others,” said Jennifer Essary, Managing Director of the Real Estate One Charitable Foundation.

Our Charitable Foundation has supported Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) for more than 20 years and we are honored to be the Official Fans in the Stands Sponsor for the 2022 Unified Cup. “Joining the Inclusion Revolution in support of Unified competitions that join athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team has strengthened our commitment to this very special community,” shared Essary. “With Detroit as the host city for the international Unified Cup, it just made sense to support the event, the athletes, and the city.”

The Unified Cup is expected to draw over 10,000 spectators, 1,000 volunteers and 500 family members and the finals will be streamed live from Keyworth Stadium — home of the Detroit City Football Club. Hundreds of millions of ESPN viewers across the globe are also expected to tune in. 

As the Official Fans in the Stands Sponsor, our job to cheer on the athletes is a perfect fit for our enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. Essary said, “This is an opportunity for all of us to include our friends and family in the cheering sections for the athletes.”

The Unified Cup has multiple venues and competition times available to our volunteers to attend. Our goal is to have representation at each event. We will also have a reception tent with fun promo items and swag at the Opening Ceremonies on July 31st and at the Final Competitions at Keyworth Stadium. We encourage all of our volunteer Fans in the Stands to stop by our tent!

Essary added, “The athletes of Special Olympics are the absolute best competitors to support. The athlete oath ‘Let me Win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,’ resonates with the spirit of the athletes to be brave and to share kindness with fellow athletes.” So, come and make some noise for our favorite champions!

Check out the Fans in the Stands registration link here. Also speak with your manager, as departments and offices are organizing volunteer groups, too. The Unified Cup will not only bring out the greatness in all of its participants, but it will inspire the local community and bring some magic to Detroit.

For any comments or questions, please contact Jennifer Essary at jessary@realestateone.com.