Giving back to the community has always been a top priority for LAFC midfielder Ilie Sánchez.
While with Sporting Kansas City, Sánchez earned the Neal and Jeanne Patterson Humanitarian of the Year award in 2019 and 2021 for his advocacy and support of the Special Olympics’ Unified Teams.
Sánchez has continued his charitable work since joining LAFC, playing a significant role with the club’s Special Olympics Unified Team to promote universal inclusion in sports. “I’ve seen firsthand what an amazing organization the Special Olympics is,” Sánchez shared in a recent Players’ Tribune article. “These programs provide young athletes with incredible experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have and help them grow into the best versions of themselves through sport. Being part of the team and playing soccer is about facing challenges, self-reflection, learning, and improving, right?” In his role, Sánchez participates in the team’s signing day, special events, and training sessions, serving as both coach and mentor.
To further support the cause, Audi is donating $40,000 through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to support the impactful work of Special Olympics Southern California and their unified soccer teams.
“I’m still learning how I can, as we say in Spanish, echar una mano (give a hand) to my new teammates and the wider Special Olympics program,” Sánchez wrote. “But once I learned LAFC was forming a team for the new season, I knew I wanted to be involved as much as possible.
“This cause deserves attention, time, energy, and funding. I’m grateful for the support from Audi and its Goals Drive Progress fund. There is much more to be done, but the timing is right for LAFC to grow as an organization, adding projects like the Special Olympics Unified Team.”
Audi’s commitment to community projects will continue to be highlighted through the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award, part of the end-of-year player recognitions. A selection committee will consider current MLS players dedicated to enriching lives and improving communities, with a $150,000 donation made to the winner’s charity of choice, presented during the MLS Cup presented by Audi.