Hello, Champion of Special Olympics Illinois!
2025 was a year defined by action. Across Illinois, athletes stepped into new challenges, volunteers showed up in powerful ways, and communities came together to expand what inclusion looks like in real life. With our athletes leading the way, Special Olympics Illinois continued to grow stronger, more connected, and more accessible statewide.
This year marked the first full year of our 2025–2027 Strategic Plan in motion. It’s rooted in work that began in 2024 and was built around our Core Four: expanding our roster, building the movement, changing the game, and championing inclusion. These priorities guided our decisions, strengthened our programs, and helped us reach more athletes, families, and partners across Illinois.
At the center of it all are our athletes. With more than 22,500 athletes participating statewide, 2025 was filled with competition, connection, and leadership—on the field and beyond. Below are some of the moments and milestones that shaped the year.
Athletes on the World Stage
Illinois athletes leaned into new challenges and prepared to compete far beyond their home turf. Several athletes earned the opportunity to represent Special Olympics Illinois globally at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy, showcasing their talent and pride as part of Team USA.
Athlete Daniel Johnson returned home from Turin with a silver medal and a moment he’ll never forget. Daniel showed what’s possible when athletes are given the opportunity to train, compete, and believe in themselves on a worldwide level.
That global spotlight also sets the stage for what’s ahead. In 2026, athletes from across Illinois will compete at the USA Games, bringing that same confidence and competitive spirit to one of the largest national stages in Special Olympics. As Team Illinois prepares to take the field this year, we’re eager to see what these athletes will do next.
Leadership Starts Here
Leadership development took a major step forward in 2025 with the launch of Athlete Leadership University (formally known as our Athlete Leadership program). This expanded, restructured program offers athletes a clear leadership pathway that combines core coursework, personal development workshops, mentorship, and an in-person academy experience. Athletes now select an area of focus, build skills through hands-on learning, and complete activation projects that put leadership into action within their communities.
Athlete Leadership University strengthens voices, grows confidence, and creates more opportunities for athletes to be leaders with Special Olympics Illinois and beyond.
By the Numbers
The 2025 Reach Report highlights the scope of our impact across Illinois. Participation increased in most groups, including athletes, Young Athletes, peer partners, and coaches. Sports programs that were once at risk, like Equestrian, saw renewed growth, reflecting the power of meaningful outreach and collective support.
When put together, these numbers tell a larger story: more access, more engagement, and more people connected through inclusive sports and programming.
View the 2025 Financial Statements
Health Where It Counts
In 2025, we strengthened our approach to athlete health by embedding education and screenings directly into Special Olympics Illinois competitions and community events. This updated Healthy Athletes strategy allowed for more flexible and consistent access to care, ensuring athletes and families receive screenings, resources, and follow-up support where they already gather.
From balance and wellness education to hands-on simulations that build health confidence, these initiatives helped athletes take greater ownership of their well-being while expanding access to essential services statewide.
Powered by People
Our volunteers continue to be essential in everything we do. In 2025, Special Olympics Illinois strengthened its commitment to volunteer engagement by creating the Senior Director, Volunteer and Community Engagement position. Doing this was an important step in building deeper relationships, improving volunteer experiences, and expanding our community involvement statewide.
This focus on leadership and development extended to our fundraising and advancement efforts. We welcomed Bridget Byville as Chief Development Officer in 2025, bringing new energy and strategic vision to how we grow support, partnerships, and long-term sustainability for our mission.
Memorable Fundraising Moments
Fundraising events throughout the year rallied supporters from every corner of Illinois. The Polar Plunge once again brought thousands together—plungers, law enforcement, corporate teams, and first timers alike—to brave the cold and support Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
At the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Team Special Olympics Illinois took inclusion to the streets as athletes and supporters ran side by side. With the support of Bank of America, each mile helped amplify our mission and expand opportunities for athletes statewide.
The 2025 Champions Ball stood out as a powerful night of celebration and commitment. We were honored to welcome Governor JB Pritzker, who stopped by to speak on the importance of inclusion and the statewide impact of our community.
Unified Today, Inclusive Tomorrow
Unified Champion Schools strengthened school communities by bringing students of all abilities together. Through inclusive sports, youth leadership, and schoolwide engagement, these programs help shape a generation that understands the value of belonging both inside and outside the classroom.
In 2025, Illinois earned five National Banner Schools, with North Boone High School named to the ESPN Honor Roll, and students like Ava and Kareem showing how inclusion turns classmates into teammates and friends.
Inclusion at the Core
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging remain central to how we operate and grow. Throughout 2025, Special Olympics Illinois expanded inclusive practices across leadership development, health access, outreach, and communications. These efforts help ensure our programs reflect the communities we serve and invite everyone in.
The first Employee Resource Group was also launched in 2025, creating new space for Special Olympics Illinois staff to connect, learn, and lead together while strengthening a workplace culture rooted in belonging and allyship.
Looking Ahead
As 2026 unfolds, the work continues. Whether you volunteer, support an event, engage your workplace, or share our story, your involvement helps open doors for athletes across Illinois.
Together, we’re building something powerful. And there’s room for everyone on this team.
With mission in mind,
Pete Beale-DelVecchio
President & CEO
Special Olympics Illinois