Earlier this month, leaders from Special Olympics Illinois traveled to Washington, D.C. for Capitol Hill Day, joining advocates from across the country to meet with members of Congress. Their purpose was simple but powerful: share how Special Olympics’ programs are changing lives, and advocate for continued federal funding to ensure those opportunities continue for future generations.
Capitol Hill Day puts faces to the funding. When athletes and students speak directly to lawmakers, they show that inclusion is not just an idea, it’s a lived experience shaping schools and communities every day.
Friendship That Speaks Volumes
For Derek Otero, a Special Olympics Illinois athlete and student at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School (BBCHS), the week was unforgettable.
“My favorite about Capitol Hill week is meeting people from different states and having fun with them,” he said. “I felt extremely blessed to meet every Congressman/woman we met, it was a life-changing experience.”
His message was rooted in connection: “My impact is to create as many friendships as you can, it is always a blessing to do it.”
That spirit was evident in his Unified partner, Calvin Kohl.
“Meeting with members of Congress was both nerve wracking and empowering,” Calvin shared. “It felt like it was an opportunity to represent so many others and impact thousands of people across the country.”
He left with a clear understanding of why advocacy matters. “Inclusion doesn’t just happen on its own, it takes a lot of effort, leadership, and advocacy for support … each of our voices has more value than we might think.”
Their friendship and teamwork did not go unnoticed. Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President & CEO of Special Olympics Illinois, reflected:
“The most memorable part of Capitol Hill Day this year was watching the interactions between Calvin and Derek. They have a great partnership and a true friendship.”
Together, Derek and Calvin demonstrated exactly what Unified stands for — friendship, leadership, and mutual support.
Gold Medal Moments on Capitol Hill
Athlete Leader Katie O’Neill brought energy, gratitude, and emotion to every part of Capitol Hill Day. One of her favorite moments was meeting Representative Nikki Budzinski and presenting her gold medal.
Athlete Leader Katie O’Neill brought energy, gratitude, and emotion to every part of Capitol Hill Day. One of her favorite moments was meeting Representative Nikki Budzinski and presenting her gold medal.
“If it weren’t for people like her, I would have never been able to win a gold medal!” Katie said. She also loved standing in the Capitol gallery, calling it the “room where it all happens,” a reference to the musical Hamilton she discussed with Rep. Budzinski.
The day was deeply moving. “It was so inspiring! And so powerful! I cried and so did my mom,” she recalled. But beyond the emotion, Katie felt truly heard. “They respect us and want to hear what we have to say. I could tell they were listening.”
Amanda Walker, educator and Special Olympics Illinois coordinator at BBCHS, highlighted the impact of the experience: “All of the staff… listened intently, asked questions, and offered support for our mission. It reminded me that advocacy, at any level, can make a difference.”
Building Communities of Belonging
Capitol Hill Day is a chance to show lawmakers why federal support for Special Olympics programs is essential. These programs help individuals build confidence, form lasting friendships, and develop leadership skills that carry into their communities.
Mo Khan, Senior Director of Advancement & Government Relations at Special Olympics Illinois, explained, “Public funding to support health, education, and opportunity for millions of American families who are a part of the greater disability community is a great investment.”
Through their stories on Capitol Hill, Illinois’ delegation showed that funding Special Olympics isn’t just about programs, it’s about building communities where everyone belongs.