WASHOUGAL – Two Washougal High School students, Rilen Snethen and Boaz Brooks, represented the Seattle Sounders FC at the 2024 Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game on July 23 at the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. On July 24, the students were recognized on-field before the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target.
The Sounders selected Rilen and Boaz from players around the state for this opportunity. Overall, 52 Unified team members compete and represent 26 Major League Soccer clubs at the event. The teams, composed of Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners, were outfitted in uniforms provided by Adidas. MLS Greats served as celebrity coaches for the game.
At Washougal High School, Rilen and Boaz were invited to a school event to announce their selection. The two students, along with Unified Soccer Coach David Williams, were presented with jerseys from the Sounders at the event. Williams accompanied the pair to the event in Ohio this summer.
The Unified Sports program in Washougal School District was founded in 2015. Unified Sports brings together students with and without disabilities to shape a more inclusive athletic environment for all student athletes. The program operates on core values of acceptance, community and friendship. Washougal School District offers Unified soccer and basketball programs at Washougal High School.