Miller Sports + Entertainment, Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC hosted Special Olympics athletes from around the world on July 17 for the first-ever Athlete Design Co_Lab at America First Field. Fifteen athletes joined in person with more attending virtually.

The athletes worked with designers and local celebrities, including former RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando and Utah First Lady Abby Cox, to sketch designs for future Special Olympics merchandise. Each group presented its own unique design and explained what it meant to them. Their custom-made Special Olympics gear will be available for purchase this fall.

Following the design lab, the athletes toured America First Field and were surprised with gear from Utah’s sports teams, including personalized RSL jerseys. Wearing their new jerseys, the athletes walked through the players’ field tunnel and were cheered on by celebrities, MSE employees and other event staff.

The athletes later toured The Ballpark at America First Square, the new home of the Salt Lake Bees. They sat at the dugout, walked the field and bought gear at the team store, then stayed for The Ballpark’s movie night on the field.