For the second time since its inception, the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup implemented Unified co-captains for each team. Unified co-captains include one athlete and one Unified partner from the team and “demonstrate how football (soccer) offers opportunities to learn and practice inclusive leadership and self-advocacy skills in every practice and match,” stated Special Olympics International’s Vice President of Sport Development, Jon-Paul St. Germain. In addition to Unified co-captains, this year marks the first-year Unified co-captains wore UN Football for the Goals armbands.
“The UN Football for the Goals armband demonstrates a recognition of Special Olympics as a sport for development organization that purposely uses football to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the areas of good health and well-being, gender equality, quality education and reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities,” St. Germain explained.
Special Olympics Canada’s Unified co-captains are Samantha (Sam) Hollingsworth and Randyll Strongman. Hollingsworth joined Special Olympics four years ago, competing primarily in basketball and floorball, playing point guard and goalie respectively. Strongman began her Special Olympics journey eight years ago as a Unified partner while attending a high school that is part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® program. Now out of high school, both young women still continue with Special Olympics in their community.
After tryouts for the team were held in April 2026, all athletes and Unified partners voted to choose Special Olympics Canada’s co-captains. When asked how it made her feel to be chosen by her peers as a leader of the team, Hollingsworth shared, “It feels really good, I was really excited.” Throughout training, Hollingsworth and Strongman were responsible for designing and leading warm-ups, teaching the team group cheers, and assisting in developing icebreakers for the team. During competition, the Unified co-captains led pre-game check-ins with players and communicated any needs to coaches.
“I feel like Sam leads with both actions and vocally. She adjusts with who she’s speaking to which I think is key,” Strongman shared of her co-captain. Hollingsworth is experienced in speaking with individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. For her job, Hollingsworth works as a camp counselor at a local summer camp with children ages 5-13.
Along with her experience working with young children comes lived experience and thus, understanding. “Sam is that player who based on her lived experience, she really has the empathy to make sure the players on the team feel that sense of belonging,” Amanda Morra, Special Olympics Canada Head Coach, shared. In school, Hollingsworth didn’t feel like she belonged until she found Special Olympics and sports. When speaking about her experiences before Special Olympics, Hollingsworth shared, “I’m physically there but I’m not actually part of the group. I feel like with these girls I’m actually in the group.” Strongman added, “It’s nice to just be yourself. Our team strives on the field because we are so close off the field.”
Although the team has only been together for a short time, they have created a tight bond. When asked what has helped build that bond, Strongman answered quickly with one word, “dancing.” The team has implemented dancing before each game which helps boost morale and focus. “Yes, winning is fun but it’s not all that matters. It’s also about the friendship you build outside of sport and the chemistry you have to then push onto the field,” Strongman added.
The two teammates and co-captains clearly play off each other’s strengths on the field. Strongman called Hollingsworth the “middleman” of the team, often helping explain a situation or need to others. While she often uses her empathy and leadership skills in a more one-on-one setting, Strongman is more confident in group settings. With this skillset, she’s able to motivate others. It’s a give and take relationship that balances nicely and plays to individual teammates’ needs.
SO Canada placed 4th in their division but they also brought home the women’s team “Fair Play Team Award” thanks to their incredible teamwork and sportsmanship.
When observing the Canadian team play, one can see the camaraderie and positivity that has been built upon a strong foundation of friendship and belonging. It’s clear that Hollingsworth and Strongman have contributed to this with their impressive leadership skills, and of course, the pre-game dance party.
