The 2025 MLS Unified All-Stars just returned from an unforgettable experience at MLS All-Star week in Austin, Texas. Liam and Remy represented Special Olympics Massachusetts and the New England Revolution on one of the sport’s biggest stages, but their journey to becoming All-Stars took preparation on and off the field.

After a hard-fought match-up with the West that ended in a 4-4 draw, Liam and Remy shared how they trained like All-Stars leading into the match and what they’ll carry with them from the entire experience.

Understanding the MLS Unified All-Star Game

The MLS Unified All-Star Game is part of a broader initiative to promote social inclusion through sport. MLS WORKS and Special Olympics collaborate to bring together individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. These Unified teams play exhibition matches alongside MLS first-team games, showcasing their skills and advancing inclusivity.

For the past ten years, there has been a Special Olympics Unified All-Star Game held during MLS All-Star Week. The All-Star teams consist of one Special Olympics athlete and one Unified partner from each MLS club to represent in an East versus West match.  

Meet the New England All-Stars

This year Liam Wise and Remy St. Germain were the New England selections. Both have earned their place in the MLS Unified All-Star Match through hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of soccer. Liam and Remy are both veterans on the NE Revolution Unified Roster. Liam is great with his hands, and his feet, making him a great option in the goal. Remy is a versatile unified partner who leads by example.  

A Typical Training Day

For the All-Stars, staying healthy and preparing their bodies was a major part of their routine. A standard training day consists of thorough warmups, then some passing drills to get the ball moving, then increase into more intense play. Throughout the practice, Remy and Liam make sure they are drinking plenty of water.

Hydration

Hydration is SUPER important, not just when you are playing, but every day.

“Usually, I try to drink 10 bottles of water every day,” Liam says. “But usually end up drinking 3.”

Keeping their bodies hydrated was especially important last week because they were playing in Texas heat with temperatures in the high 90s.

Beating the Heat

The brutal heat was a challenge for our All-Stars, but nothing they couldn’t overcome. Remy stressed the importance of listening to your body, especially in the heat.

“Stay driven, stay motivated and listen to your body,” Remy said.

“Get as much rest as you can and don’t pass out,” Liam said. “Hydrate and take a nap in the AC.”

Liam and Remy spent plenty of time in the air conditioning and drinking lots of fluids leading into the big game. Their motivation? Playing for their team.

Beating the Heat

Motivation comes naturally to our All-Stars when they are playing for something bigger than themselves: a team.

Liam and Remy were both a part of the East All-Star team, where they were playing with teammates they just met. As competitors it is in their nature to do everything, they can to perform their best for the team.

“It’s easier with a team to push you,” Remy said. “But for me staying motivated is just pushing myself to be the best I can for those around me.”

The Best Part

While playing in the All-Star game was fun, the memories Liam, Remy and Special Olympics MA staff member, Jess made on this trip were what will last a lifetime.

Listening to Pink Pony Club and having a dance party before the game to get the blood moving really brought peak performances from both Liam and Remy.

On top of their own trainings and match, the trio were able to attend the MLS All-Star Game (and meet lots of famous athletes!), eat plenty of great food, and explore Austin on a duck boat.

What It Really Means to Be an All-Star

What truly makes someone an All-Star isn’t just the way they play. It’s how they train, how they care for their bodies, how they connect with others and how they embrace every opportunity.  

Inclusive health content is sponsored by Tufts Health Plan, the Official Health Insurance Partner of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Tufts Health Plan and Special Olympics Massachusetts are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles through resources that support individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. To learn more about Tufts Health One Care, a health plan for those with disabilities who have Medicare and Medicaid, visit TuftsHealthPlan.com/SOMA