Downey athlete earns spot on LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team

DOWNEY – Victoria Rios-Quintero, a Downey resident, has earned a spot on the LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team for the 2026 season.

Supported by Herbalife, the Galaxy’s official nutrition partner for more than 20 years, the program provides athletes ages 16 to 25 — both with and without intellectual disabilities — the opportunity to train, compete and travel as official members of the LA Galaxy family.

“In other teams, there’s so much pressure to try to be perfect. And with this team, you can just play how you want and be yourself,” said Rios-Quintero, who plays right wing and wears No. 7 for the team.

A signing ceremony was held at Dignity Health Sports Park, where 24 athletes signed and officially joined the LA Galaxy alongside the club’s players and coaching staff, including defender Chris Rindov, goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski, head coach Greg Vanney, general manager Will Kuntz and team mascot Cozmo.

The athletes and their families experienced a full pro-team day, including a behind-the-scenes stadium tour and locker room access, where they suited up in personalized uniforms. They also participated in a hands-on nutrition session led by Herbalife’s sports performance dietitians, who work with LA Galaxy players year-round to develop fueling and recovery strategies.

The team will compete in a full season of matches this year, including a home game against the LA Galaxy Academy, an away match against Atlanta United’s Unified team, a Special Olympics tournament, a rivalry match against LAFC’s Unified team and the Special Olympics All-Star Game.

The LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team is part of the Special Olympics Unified Sports program, which brings together individuals with and without intellectual disabilities to compete as equals and promote social inclusion through sport.

Support for the team is made possible through the Joint Community Partnership Fund, a collaboration between Herbalife and the LA Galaxy that supports community programs and initiatives throughout Southern California.

For updates throughout the 2026 season, follow @Herbalife, @HerbalifeUSA and @LAGalaxy on social media.