Eagles team up with Special Olympics for flag football

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Day two of the fan festivities in Philadelphia for the NFL Draft got underway on Friday, and one event included a partnership with the Eagles and the Special Olympics.

They took the field near the Ben Franklin Parkway for a game of flag football.

The goal, of course, was to win! But they were also there to make a statement.

"We are breaking down barriers. It's all about inclusion, and acceptance, and togetherness and friendships," said Eric Cushing of Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

It was part of the NFL's Play60 initiative.

"Our fans come in all shapes and sizes, and a big part of our game is people love playing football and a big part of it is just show a little skill, get out there and run around," said fmr. Eagle Jon Runyan.

It's a program that encourages children, of all backgrounds and abilities, to be active for at least an hour a day.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also stopped by to show his support.

"We really make sure that Play60 is an opportunity for all kids to play 60, so we want to make sure that football is out there and ready for them to play. We can provide the resources for them to do that," said Melissa Schiller of the NFL.

About two dozen athletes, half with intellectual disabilities, simply played together in what's call unified teams.

"It's just about having a great time, it's about making sure that everyone is on the same playing field," said Nicole Tracy of Doylestown.

For more about Special Olympics Pennsylvania, visit SpecialOlympicsPa.org

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