Friday, January 10, 2025 5 Brooklin Town Crier Brooklin High School celebrate the extraordinary achievements of one of its own, Zach, whose journey is nothing short of inspirational. In the fall of 2023, Zach participated in a Special Olympics school soccer tournament with his classmates when an incredible opportunity arose: an invitation to try out for the Toronto FC (TFC) Unified team. The TFC Unified program, a collaboration between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Special Olympics, brings together Special Olympics athletes and neurotypical athletes to compete as teammates. The program offers a unique schedule where Unified teams play games on the same day their MLS counterparts compete, fostering a deep sense of inclusion and camaraderie among athletes. Zach embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. After a series of tryouts at TFC's state-of-the-art practice facility in Downsview Park, Zach was selected to join the Unified team. His selection was a testament to his skill, dedication, and team spirit. The highlight of the season was a thrilling trip to Montreal for a match against CF Montreal Unified. On July 19th, Zach and his teammates embarked on a memorable journey, traveling together to Quebec. The trip was filled with team bonding, from exploring downtown Montreal to sharing meals and laughter. On game day, the team showcased their hard work and unity on the field. TFC Unified secured a 2-0 victory against their Montreal rivals. The team's energy carried over into the evening as they cheered on the MLS teams from their box seats, witnessing TFC claim another win with a 1-0 triumph. Zach's success is a shining example of the transformative power of sport. This program is more than just games; it's about creating opportunities for neurodiverse athletes to grow, build confidence, and feel immense pride in their accomplishments. BHS Special Olympics Soccer Star Works Out With Toronto FC Our Top Stories of 2024 (pages 2-5) December Postal strike results in dozens of volunteers delivering the Dec. 6 BTC door-to-door Wincester Rd temporarily opens east and west DRPS announces Project Attire to combat auto theft Optimist club awards scholarships to Jeevan Elliott and Madelin Kristmann Brooklin High wins provincial high school cross country gold St. Bridget students honoured by Forests Canada