TOPEKA (KSNT) — A Topeka man is getting ready to welcome the world. Jarred Vega, a special-needs adult, has been selected as a Host City Ambassador for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.
Vega was chosen from more than one million applicants nationwide to serve as a welcoming face for fans traveling to Kansas City this summer. Host City Ambassadors help visitors navigate events, provide information and enhance the overall fan experience during the tournament.
“I saw the ad online where they were looking for volunteers with special needs, and they said, ‘Click here and apply,’ and so I did, and then the journey began,” Vega said.
A longtime soccer fan, Vega said he didn’t hesitate to apply once he learned the games would be played nearby. Still, he admitted the wait was nerve-wracking, and he was ultimately shocked to be chosen.
“And then I was relieved because I’ve been really nervous about waiting, waiting for an answer — yes or no,” Vega said. “So when I got it, I was really excited.”
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Vega’s mother, Mimi Leonard, said she was initially surprised to learn she would also need to complete the full training process alongside her son in order to support him during the events.
“I thought, you know, I’m transportation back and forth — no big deal,” Leonard said. “Then come to find out that no, I have to go through all the same training that he does, and I’ll be uniformed out and credentialed as well. It’s a commitment on my part, too, and I get to be part of it. It’s a once‑in‑a‑lifetime thing.”
Leonard said the opportunity means far more than just volunteering at a major sporting event. She hopes her son’s selection sends a broader message about inclusion and ability.
“Whether you have a disability that is visible or invisible, don’t let it stop you from doing what you’re going to do,” Leonard said. “I hope this also encourages other events and other communities to start opening their doors and including people they might not normally consider, because everyone has something good to offer — they just need a chance.”
Vega wants everyone to remember Kansas City as the best host city of the tournament by pursuing one simple goal — making everyone feel welcome.
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