Special Olympics Texas Debut at G Series Flag Football National Championship

“Football is a beautiful game everyone should have the chance to experience”, shares Scott Dillon, Gridiron CEO.

On June 15-16, we had the honor of hosting the first-ever Special Olympics Texas-partnered Flag Football National Championship in Dallas, Texas. In addition to welcoming more than 1,000 youth athletes from across the country, we also had a dedicated Unified Sports® adult division from Special Olympics Texas.

So for the first time, all Texas flag football athletes got the chance to compete alongside each other on the same fields.

But it wasn’t the historicity of the occasion that impressed us most. It was the irrepressible excitement of these athletes and partners, and the incredible athleticism they displayed that left indelible marks on our hearts and minds.

Day one. Despite some driving over 5 hours to join us, the Special Olympics Texas teams arrived early and eager to start their first day of competition. Wearing official Gridiron uniforms, they entered the front gate to high fives and waves from fellow athletes (and made sure their Instagram followers were getting real-time updates).

As the Texas sun reached its peak and game time approached, they ran onto the stadium fields to warm up. Cheers and laughter filled the air, friends and family lined the sidelines. It was time to play football. Over the next 1.5 hours, each team competed in rigorous back-to-back pool play. Each athlete, each team, wanted to win. But win or lose, they displayed the utmost sportsmanship, heart and skill.

Day two. Following a good night’s rest, the teams were ready for another round of competition. But this time inside The Star, training facility of the Dallas Cowboys. Arriving early, they filled the seats above the field. Anticipation and excitement palpable. Until finally it was their time to take the field… their turn to play on the same turf as their sports heroes.

Alongside fellow athletes on neighboring fields, each vying for a division championship, the Special Olympics teams competed against one another in bracket and championship play. We witnessed dazzling touchdown runs, flag pulls and catches that would fill ESPN’s Daily Top 10!

And while one team ultimately did claim the national title (shoutout to the Allen Dirty Birds), they all enjoyed a well-deserved moment in the Champions circle; celebrating not only their athletic achievements, but the chance to build friendships, work as a team, and play a sport they love. And in the end, isn’t that what’s it all about?

Special thanks to Special Olympics Texas for partnering with us, and making this year's National Championship so incredibly meaningful.