Marcy Bobell’s enthusiasm to compete along with her compassion for others has brought her success both in and out of the athletic arena. Marcy has learned from her involvement in Special Olympics that it is not just about winning. When she does the best that she can, Marcy has discovered that people will love and support her no matter the outcome. She will demonstrate her best efforts at State Winter Games and as part of the Illinois delegation at the USA National Games in July.

Marcy has trained in Special Olympics for 27 years with the SPARC, which was absorbed into the Springfield Park District program last year. She is active on the cross-country ski trails during the winter, swimming in the pool during the spring, on the golf course in the summer, and at the bowling alley in the fall.

One of her favorite memories from her participation in Special Olympics is from a race during a track & field competition when she was younger. Marcy was in first place and on track to win the gold medal when the girl in second fell. She stopped to help her and as a result did not win the race. Even though Marcy did not take home the gold medal, she felt good about what she did and was proud of this accomplishment.

Marcy’s mom, Deborah, loves that Special Olympics “gives the athletes a sense of self-worth, accomplishment and pride. I love seeing their faces when they finish what they start, not finishing first all the time, but just being able to finish.”

Marcy is looking forward to competing at the 2010 State Winter Games in Galena Feb. 2-4.  After a recent surgery, she did not think that she would be able to compete; however, she has recovered in time and will be racing on the trails in the 50- and 100-meter cross-country skiing events. She will also join 68 other Special Olympics athletes representing Illinois at the USA National Games in July in Lincoln, Neb. There she will compete in aquatics.

Along with her active participation in the sporting events, Marcy is also a Special Olympics Illinois Global Messenger. As a spokesperson for the organization, Marcy was invited to speak at a 2009 Run WITH the Law event in Springfield. On the steps of the State Capitol she addressed the students involved in Run WITH the Law and the police officers of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. She thanked them for their commitment to the Torch Run and what they do for Special Olympics.

Marcy’s parents, Wayne and Deborah Bobell, are also very active in Special Olympics. Deborah is the Sports Coordinator for Special Olympics at the Springfield Park District and is a head coach in cross-country skiing and bowling. She also finds time to help assist with aquatics, golf, and gymnastics. Wayne is the head coach for golf and helps in cross-country skiing. You’ll also find both of them volunteering at each and every event held in Area 17. “I feel very humbled when I watch the athletes, their struggles and ultimately their success.  They never give up, if only everyone had their guts and fortitude. I love to see the joy on their faces and the thrill they experience,” states Wayne.

When she is not training or competing, Marcy enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, going to movies and out to eat, taking a dance class, and is working on new story ideas for the old TV series “Dallas,” which she hopes might resurrect the series! She is also an active volunteer at a local center where she answers phones and files paperwork for the staff.