EDITOR'S NOTE: MLS Commissioner Don Garber shared the following message with club supporters following the launch of MLS Unites in conjunction with the MLS Players Association. The initiative will highlight the efforts that the league, its players, coaches, clubs and fans are making to address important messages and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dear MLS Supporters,
As the entire world deals with the COVID-19 crisis, I want to express my heartfelt thoughts to the entire MLS family as we all manage through the impact of these unprecedented and challenging times.
MLS has a special place in the lives of our fans, and the impact of the loss of games is deeply felt throughout the communities where we live, work and play our games. We are working day and night to address the many current issues facing our players, clubs, employees and partners, and we are developing plans so that we return to play as soon as it is safe for everyone.
During the postponement, we have been working to provide as much information as possible, while having our players and clubs engage with our fans. I am extremely proud to announce that today we are launching MLS Unites, capturing and amplifying the many efforts of our league, teams, players and fans during the coronavirus pandemic.
As part of MLS Unites, we will have a series of activities that will encompass the following:
- Educate and inform you on the importance of key health and safety messaging;
- Create fun and engaging content featuring our players that will keep you connected;
- Showcase and celebrate community "heroes," those fighting the pandemic on the front lines.
The first element of MLS Unites was unveiled this evening with a video featuring social content from some of our players and coaches. As part of National Doctors' Day, we also posted a second video featuring many of our players and coaches thanking the medical professionals that are working tirelessly and heroically on the frontlines. We ask you to join them in sending your appreciation as well, using the hashtag #MLSUnites.
For more information about MLS Unites, what you can do to protect yourself and your community, and some entertaining stories from around MLS, please visit www.mlssoccer.com/MLSunites.
While you look after your family and friends, I also appeal to you to join us in MLS Unites in your own way. I have always believed that the MLS community is defined by its courage, fortitude and great spirit of unity. It is these values that will get us through this difficult time and have us come back even stronger when we return to playing games in the months ahead.
Don Garber
Commissioner
