2025 Rewind: Sports Highlights

December 18, 2025

From medals on international slopes to friendship and leadership on local fields, these moments on the playing field show the heart of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Here’s a look back at some of the standout sports moments that made 2025 one to remember:

Tyler & Lindsay Took on the World Stage

Tyler Lagasse and Lindsay Blagg represented Massachusetts as part of Special Olympics USA at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Here’s what they brought home:

Giant Slalom

  • Tyler – Bronze Medal
  • Lindsay – 4th Place

Super G

  • Tyler – 7th Place
  • Lindsay – 4th Place

Slalom

  • Tyler – 4th Place

Team Massachusetts Is Officially Set for 2026 USA Games

After months of state tournaments, selections, Zoom surprises, and emotional reactions, Team Massachusetts is locked in for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From first-time competitors to seasoned national veterans, players from every corner of the state are ready to go. Watch the full team announcement and celebration videos throughout the year as the roster dropped!

Bridgewater-Raynham Flag Football Builds Memories Across the Country

Bridgewater-Raynham’s Unified Flag Football team, chosen to represent Massachusetts at the 2026 USA Games, had an unforgettable year with two special trips:

  1. Minnesota – After watching the Patriots and Vikings joint practice, Team Massachusetts got to show off for the crowd with a joint practice of their own alongside Special Olympics Minnesota, presented by UnitedHealthcare.
  2. Nashville – Bridgewater/Raynham’s team was able to play on the field at Nissan Stadium following the Patriots’ away game for a Unified game against Special Olympics Tennessee.

These highlighted how Team Massachusetts athletes are building friendships and experiences that go beyond the scoreboard!

Athlete Leader Jess Lappin Brings the Revs Unified Match to Life

The Revs Unified program once again brought excitement to the pitch— and Jess Lappin’s reporting on the Revs vs. Rapids Unified match demonstrated the impact of giving athletes a voice on the field and in the story. From on-field strategy to inspiring teammates, Jess highlighted the dedication and camaraderie that makes the Special Olympics MA and New England Revolution partnership so special. Read Jess’ full story and relive the match on our website

Liam & Remy Shine at MLS All Star Week

New England Revolution Unified pair Liam Wise and Remy St. Germain had an unforgettable experience representing Special Olympics MA at 2025 MLS All‑Star Week in Austin, Texas. They trained and competed alongside Unified athletes from across the country in the Special Olympics Unified MLS All‑Star Game as part of Team East. From holding their own on the field to earning attention from fans and teammates, Liam and Remy showed that Special Olympics athletes belong on the national stage. And when they returned they had a newfound celebrity status, where supporters lined up to meet them at community events like Bowl fir a Goal!

Building Friendships and Inclusion: Talia & India Lead the Way

At just 11 years old, Talia Zizza became a prime example of what it means to be a champion of inclusion—running side-by-side with athlete India Reynolds on the track, cheering her on, coaching her through events, and building a friendship that exemplifies the heart of Unified sports. Their story, reaching thousands of phones and screens across the state, shows that inclusion isn’t just about competition, it’s about genuine connection.

Mack Hollins Finds Joy with Special Olympics Massachusetts

New England Patriots wide receiver and Special Olympics Global Ambassador Mack Hollins has been a consistent supporter of Special Olympics Massachusetts throughout 2025, participating in numerous programs and inspiring athletes wherever he goes. One visit that stood out to him was when he visited a flag football practice.

“Most recently, my ‘why’ came from a moment that happened at a practice with some of the people in this room,” said Mack. “It wasn’t for a medal or for a win. It was just a group of athletes. Some with a disability and some without, dancing. And not just any dancing… TOUCHDOWN dancing! No TV cameras. No crowds. Just joy. And a group of friends living in the moment.”

From medals on international slopes to friendship and leadership on local fields, these moments on the playing field show the heart of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Here’s a look back at some of the standout sports moments that made 2025 one to remember:

Tyler & Lindsay Took on the World Stage

Tyler Lagasse and Lindsay Blagg represented Massachusetts as part of Special Olympics USA at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Here’s what they brought home:

Giant Slalom

  • Tyler – Bronze Medal
  • Lindsay – 4th Place

Super G

  • Tyler – 7th Place
  • Lindsay – 4th Place

Slalom

  • Tyler – 4th Place

Team Massachusetts Is Officially Set for 2026 USA Games

After months of state tournaments, selections, Zoom surprises, and emotional reactions, Team Massachusetts is locked in for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From first-time competitors to seasoned national veterans, players from every corner of the state are ready to go. Watch the full team announcement and celebration videos throughout the year as the roster dropped!

Bridgewater-Raynham Flag Football Builds Memories Across the Country

Bridgewater-Raynham’s Unified Flag Football team, chosen to represent Massachusetts at the 2026 USA Games, had an unforgettable year with two special trips:

  1. Minnesota – After watching the Patriots and Vikings joint practice, Team Massachusetts got to show off for the crowd with a joint practice of their own alongside Special Olympics Minnesota, presented by UnitedHealthcare.
  2. Nashville – Bridgewater/Raynham’s team was able to play on the field at Nissan Stadium following the Patriots’ away game for a Unified game against Special Olympics Tennessee.

These highlighted how Team Massachusetts athletes are building friendships and experiences that go beyond the scoreboard!

Athlete Leader Jess Lappin Brings the Revs Unified Match to Life

The Revs Unified program once again brought excitement to the pitch— and Jess Lappin’s reporting on the Revs vs. Rapids Unified match demonstrated the impact of giving athletes a voice on the field and in the story. From on-field strategy to inspiring teammates, Jess highlighted the dedication and camaraderie that makes the Special Olympics MA and New England Revolution partnership so special. Read Jess’ full story and relive the match on our website

Liam & Remy Shine at MLS All Star Week

New England Revolution Unified pair Liam Wise and Remy St. Germain had an unforgettable experience representing Special Olympics MA at 2025 MLS All‑Star Week in Austin, Texas. They trained and competed alongside Unified athletes from across the country in the Special Olympics Unified MLS All‑Star Game as part of Team East. From holding their own on the field to earning attention from fans and teammates, Liam and Remy showed that Special Olympics athletes belong on the national stage. And when they returned they had a newfound celebrity status, where supporters lined up to meet them at community events like Bowl fir a Goal!

Building Friendships and Inclusion: Talia & India Lead the Way

At just 11 years old, Talia Zizza became a prime example of what it means to be a champion of inclusion—running side-by-side with athlete India Reynolds on the track, cheering her on, coaching her through events, and building a friendship that exemplifies the heart of Unified sports. Their story, reaching thousands of phones and screens across the state, shows that inclusion isn’t just about competition, it’s about genuine connection.

Mack Hollins Finds Joy with Special Olympics Massachusetts

New England Patriots wide receiver and Special Olympics Global Ambassador Mack Hollins has been a consistent supporter of Special Olympics Massachusetts throughout 2025, participating in numerous programs and inspiring athletes wherever he goes. One visit that stood out to him was when he visited a flag football practice.

“Most recently, my ‘why’ came from a moment that happened at a practice with some of the people in this room,” said Mack. “It wasn’t for a medal or for a win. It was just a group of athletes. Some with a disability and some without, dancing. And not just any dancing… TOUCHDOWN dancing! No TV cameras. No crowds. Just joy. And a group of friends living in the moment.”

label

Articles related

Text Link
North Reading High School Leads the Way Being First School to Host Mobile Plunge

North Reading High School hosted Massachusetts' first Special Olympics mobile plunge, raising funds for inclusion through Unified Sports. The event fostered community and aims to inspire other schools to embrace similar initiatives.

Text Link
Justin’s Journey: How one Facebook message changed the course of his life

A Facebook message changed Justin’s life, launching him into Special Olympics MA as a Unified Partner. This initial volunteer role evolved into a rewarding career, fueling his passion for helping individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Text Link
How old do you have to be to make a difference in the world?

At just 12 years old, Harrison Mendrala discovered Special Olympics and has now dedicated a decade to coaching—driven by a passion for community, achievement, and building lasting relationships with athletes.