Interview: Lorna Ortiz and Genuine United
Genuine World Cup Teams from Spain, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States preparing for the first day of tournament play.
Editors Note: This summer Houston hosted the Genuine World Cup, an international soccer tournament for young adults with special needs. The tournament was held at Rice University, with the final rounds played at the Dynamo’s Stadium. Alongside the sporting events, several panels of experts and advocates working with adults with autism and other special needs spoke as part of the Genuine Connect education event held at Rice University. The main organizer for all of this was Lorna Ortiz, whose son, Herie, attends The HUB Life 101 program. In the wake of the tournament, a new soccer team is forming, the Genuine United, that will play in future Genuine tournaments, including the next World Cup summer of 2025. We spoke to Lorna about her work on the tournament and vision for the future.
What was the inspiration for the Genuine World Cup?
Lorna: The inspiration for the Genuine World Cup came from witnessing an exhibition match by La Liga Genuine back in 2022. I was deeply moved by the inclusivity and joy on display, and it inspired me to contribute to Ignacio Torras' vision of creating a Genuine League in every country and ultimately establishing the first FIFA Genuine Cup. My personal drive to be part of this initiative is my son, Herie, whose love for soccer and sense of belonging in the sport fuels my passion to help make this dream a reality.
Can you tell us about Genuine Connect and the Genuine Foundation?
Lorna: Genuine Connect is an integral part of the Genuine World Cup experience. It's a unique event designed to foster collaboration, inspiration, and innovation in how we empower and include our Genuine community. The focus of Genuine Connect is to bring together experts, advocates, and leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue on the challenges and opportunities surrounding inclusion for individuals with IDD and autism.
At the core of Genuine Connect are interactive panel discussions that tackle critical topics such as eliminating barriers to access, employment, and the role of sports in social inclusion. These sessions are aimed at sharing strategies, insights, and innovative practices that can be implemented to promote equality and independence for our Genuine Community. It serves as a platform where ideas can flourish, solutions can be brainstormed, and impactful connections can be made between stakeholders who are committed to driving positive change.The event plays a significant role within the broader Genuine community by promoting awareness and action. Whether it’s discussing gaps in equitable access to benefits or showcasing successful employment models for individuals with special needs, Genuine Connect opens up opportunities for growth and inclusion. It also highlights how sports and fitness can be utilized as powerful tools to foster social inclusion and empower individuals to thrive in various aspects of life.
The Genuine Foundation (www.genuinefoundation.org ), which supports Genuine Connect and other initiatives, is focused on fostering inclusion and opportunities for young adults with special needs. The foundation’s mission is to provide resources, mentorship, and access to programs like the Genuine World Cup and other sports activities, but it also extends beyond sports. We work to support education, job training, and community development, ensuring that these individuals can thrive in all areas of life. Through Genuine Connect, we hope to continue building a supportive network where everyone can contribute and grow.
It seems La Liga, in Spain, has the most advanced program for youth with special needs. Can you explain a little about their program?
Lorna: La Liga's Genuine program is groundbreaking in how it brings inclusivity into mainstream soccer. It was created to integrate young athletes with intellectual disabilities into professional soccer environments. La Liga clubs not only host teams of players with special needs but also fully involve them in their training, competitions, and events. The program focuses on promoting teamwork, respect, and the personal development of each player, while ensuring they are treated as valuable members of the broader soccer community. It's a model that breaks down barriers and allows these athletes to experience the game at a professional level, building confidence and creating a sense of belonging.
Your vision is to do something similar to La Liga's Genuine program here in the Houston area? What would that look like?
Lorna: Yes, my vision is to bring that same level of inclusivity and community engagement to Houston through United Genuine FC. The program would provide young adults with special needs the opportunity to train and play in an organized, competitive environment while being part of something bigger than themselves. We would partner with local clubs, like we did with Rice University and Dynamo Stadium, to give these athletes the experience of playing at great venues. The goal is to create a network of support that goes beyond soccer—focusing on personal development, building social skills, employment opportunities and fostering a community where these young adults can thrive.
What comes next for Genuine sports?
Lorna: The next big step for us is the launch of United Genuine FC (www.unitdgenuinefc.com), a soccer team that will participate in future Genuine tournaments, including the 2025 World Cup (which we are already working on). This team will not only play locally but will also compete internationally, offering more opportunities for players with special needs to be part of something truly special. We're also exploring ways to expand the program to include other sports and activities, building a year-round calendar of events to keep the momentum going. Ultimately, we want to create a lasting legacy that empowers young adults with special needs through sports, and United Genuine FC is just the beginning.