Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi have funneled their competitive spirits into the Special Olympics Mississippi Unified Egg Bowl, a flag football competition that brings athletes with intellectual disabilities and traditional athletes together on the same team.
The Unified Egg Bowl will be held at the intramural athletic fields on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at MSU.
The football coaches from both schools, Dan Mullen and Hugh Freeze, issued video challenges to students, alumni and fans from each respective school to donate to the Special Olympics Mississippi Unified Egg Bowl.  The team that raises the most donations will have a three-point advantage at the first Unified Egg Bowl.
Jim Beaugez, director of public relations and communications for Special Olympics Mississippi, said the Unified Egg Bowl is not just about raising money, but also raising mutual understanding.
“The goals behind the Unified Egg Bowl are to foster interaction, inclusion and understanding about intellectual disabilities. Both the traditional athletes and the Special Olympic athletes can learn something about the other,” Beaugez said. “We have a goal set of how much we would like to raise, but we might reach that goal or we might not. What we are really trying to do is to get the entire university engaged and then use whatever money we use to better the Special Olympics.”
Those interested should visit unifiedeggbowl.org to donate to a team or learn more about the event.  
Jonathan Adams, intramural sports coordinator, said sports have a unifying effect on people.
“We don’t really get events like this in Starkville, Mississippi. Sports has a great effect on people. It gives people the chance to learn camaraderie and build relationships though teamwork,” Adams said.
“Sports are a rare thing that force people to work together,” Adams said. “It’s great to see that sports can offer a unique opportunity where people of all walks of life and all capabilities can participate.”
The Unified Egg Bowl will begin with an address from MSU Athletic Director Scott Stricklin followed by a performance by Miss MSU Randi-Kathryn Harmon. The MSU pep squad will be featured at halftime.
Amelia Treptow, assistant director of student activities, said the Unified Egg Bowl can be both a fun and informative way to interact with those with intellectual disabilities.
“The Unified Egg Bowl is a great way for the community to learn about the work that Special Olympics does and is a great way to interact with those with intellectual disabilities. It allows both team members with intellectual disabilities and those without to build relationships and enjoy this experience,” Treptow said. “I hope everyone will come out the Sports Clubs Fields and support both teams. Not only will this event be informative, but it is a fun way for everyone to get to experience the excitement and rivalry of the traditional Egg Bowl.”