FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution and Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) have a long-standing relationship. The two organizations have been working together closely since 2015, when the New England Revolution hosted their inaugural Special Olympics Unified match.

Lumene Montissol joined the Revolution Unified Team in 2017, and has been an electric presence on the squad every year since, in matches and at New England’s events, including the annual Special Olympics ‘Bowl for a Goal.' She goes by the nickname ‘Lightning’ that embodies not only her speed on the field, but also her contagious positive energy. 

In addition to Montissol being a member of Revs’ Unified team, she also competes in basketball and track, earning 12 gold medals to date. 

On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, Montissol was surprised on ‘Good Morning America’ with news that she will have to opportunity to compete in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida. Montissol’s reaction smiling ear to ear with her arms raised followed by tears of joy says it all. 

“I’m crying because I’m happy,” said Montissol. “It means my dream has come true. I feel super grateful because I’ve been waiting for this dream for a long time. I’m very grateful and I’m so happy.”

The 26-year-old shares her best advice for others who are chasing their dreams.

“Keep believing in yourself, keep training hard and be proud of who you are,” said Montissol.

Special Olympics, including the Revolution Unified team, have had a large influence on Montissol’s life in the confident, young woman she has become.

“Before the Special Olympics I had, like, no one to talk to,” said Montissol. “It is kind of lonely, and no one there wants to talk to you because you feel different. But now, since I joined Special Olympics, I became more talkative to others. It makes me feel happy. It keeps showing me a lot of confidence to socialize with other people.”

Montissol will compete from June 5-12 in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.