Real Salt Lake strives to be a leader in the community and a home for diversity and inclusion. With that goal in mind, Real Salt Lake has created the RSL Family Initiative with the first initiative centered around Autism awareness. This upcoming match against Toronto FC on Saturday, April 9th will be Autism Awareness Night as a part of Autism Awareness Month. Tickets can be purchased for Autism Awareness Night at www.rsl.com/tickets/.
“One of our employees, Brett Call, submitted the idea to the RSL Family Initiative and it was an automatic yes! We hope to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for kids and caregivers alike. This is only our first activity focused on improving access to Real Salt Lake and we are very excited for April 9th and what’s to come.” Director of Human Resources Lita Quero said.
To commemorate the night, the players will walk out with children who are on the Autism spectrum during the pre-match festivities. More than four hundred tickets have also been distributed to kids, families, and therapists in “Kreilach’s Corner” where they will be able to cheer on the Claret-and-Cobalt from their own section.
Additionally, 100 sensory kits will be created and handed out to all fans and families in need of them. Sensory kits are a collection of items that are designed to help calm individuals in over-stimulating environments which will be beneficial in a loud stadium like the RioT.
The Club is also determined to make Rio Tinto Stadium more accessible, so that all can join and enjoy all the amazing fan experience felt at the RioT.
Odds are you likely know someone with Autism, 1 in 48 children in the state of Utah are diagnosed with Autism. We are no strangers to this either as we have over 400+ families and staff workers who are affected by Autism as well.
This will just be one of many projects that will be spearheaded by the Real Salt Lake Family Initiative. As we grow our footprint in the community, we will lead more projects that further bring people of all backgrounds and experiences together in the RSL way.
