by Michelle Mayer | Sep 8, 2025 | Athlete Leadership, Mission Focused, Statewide
Special Olympics Illinois proudly launched a new era of leadership development with Athlete Leadership University (ALU), a program that recognizes leadership as more than participation. It’s about influence, responsibility, and driving change.
Through ALU, athletes build skills and confidence to shape the direction of Special Olympics Illinois and beyond.
Athlete Leader Katie O’Neill from Region C is one of many athletes embracing the opportunity to grow through ALU.
“I’m so excited Special Olympics Illinois wants me to do this and knows I can,” says Katie.
ALU follows a six-step structure: core training, mentorship, ongoing workshops, an intensive in-person academy, and real-world leadership experiences. Athletes graduate ready to lead in their communities.
Majors Set for Success
As part of the ALU journey, athletes are required to choose a leadership path by selecting one of four majors as their focus: Athlete Spokesperson, Athlete Representative, Event Leader, or Health Messenger.
- Athlete Spokesperson: Focuses on public speaking, storytelling, and outreach to inspire others and share the mission of Special Olympics Illinois.
- Athlete Representative: Develops professional meeting skills and facilitation techniques to take on leadership roles within councils, committees, and boards.
- Event Leader: Builds planning and organizational skills to lead events and contribute meaningfully to Special Olympics Illinois and local communities.
- Health Messenger: Promotes personal wellness and educates teammates and community members about healthy living.
“ALU is unique because it supports athletes to build and strengthen their skills,” explains Michelle Mark, Director – Athlete Leadership and Families Initiatives, Special Olympics Illinois. “This program is designed to help athletes discover their interests and take on meaningful leadership roles in areas they are passionate about.”
A Pathway for Leaders
After attending core training sessions and other workshops, athletes are invited to attend ALU Academy.
At ALU Academy, athletes dive deep into their chosen majors. The first academy took place this past August, welcoming 22 athletes eager to elevate their leadership.
“It was an inspiring day,” said Mark. “These athletes dedicated their time to exploring their majors, engaging in real world scenarios, and practical exercises to better prepare for the next step in their leadership journey.”
What’s Next? Real World Experience
ALU Academy was just the beginning of this journey for these athletes. Each athlete will now begin working on an activation project tied to their area of study.
Katie O’Neill was also in attendance. After a full day of workshops and hands-on learning, she left ALU Academy buzzing with ideas.
“I loved the ALU Academy,” remarks O’Neill. “I have a lot of ideas about my activation project and I just can’t decide. I will decide soon because I can’t wait to get started!”
These projects give athletes a chance to put their training into practice, whether by leading a health workshop, speaking at a community event, or helping to organize a competition.
Moving Forward Together
This is only the beginning of building a more inclusive world alongside people with intellectual disabilities.
Together, we are building an athlete-led movement where every athlete voice is heard, supported, and has the opportunity to shape the future of Special Olympics Illinois.
Want to be part of the movement? Learn more about becoming an Athlete Leader.
by Michelle Mayer | Sep 8, 2025 | Champions Ball, Fundraising, Statewide, Volunteers
Special Olympics Illinois is thrilled to announce the co-chairs for the 2025 Champions Ball, our premier annual gala dedicated to celebrating and fundraising for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state. This year’s event will be led by two dynamic leaders: Sarah Glavin, Head of Community Affairs at Amazon, and Toby Enqvist, Global Chief Operations Officer at United Airlines.
Set to take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at The Geraghty in Chicago, the Champions Ball will bring together supporters, business leaders, community partners, and athletes for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, dining, live and silent auctions, and powerful stories from our athletes and families.
Last year’s event raised nearly one million dollars in a single night, and we’re aiming even higher in 2025.
Who They Are and Why They Lead
Sarah Glavin leads Amazon’s community and civic partnerships across the Midwest. Special Olympics Illinois has partnered with Amazon to propel unified initiatives in Illinois for more than four years.
“Amazon began partnering with Special Olympics Illinois in 2021, engaging directly with athletes and families to understand their vision for inclusive classrooms and workplaces,” said Glavin. “Their leadership is transforming our schools and work environments, creating more collaborative, inclusive, and productive communities. This impact drives our continued investment in Special Olympics Illinois’ mission to develop opportunities for every individual.”
Prior to joining Amazon, Glavin spent a decade at United Airlines as Director of Global Community Engagement. Her career spans roles in political campaigns, nonprofit leadership, and corporate affairs, including work with the American Cancer Society, Ariel Investments, and Senator Richard J. Durbin’s campaign staff.
Glavin is a 2025 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and serves on the boards of the National Museum of Mexican Art, How Women Lead Chicago, and the Chicago Corporate Coalition.
Toby Enqvist oversees global operations at United Airlines, including safety, airport and flight operations, inflight services, and customer solutions. United Airlines has partnered with Special Olympics Illinois on championing inclusion on and off the field for more than 10 years.
“At United, we believe in connecting people not only through travel, but through opportunity and inclusion,” says Enqvist. “From hosting plane pull fundraisers at our hubs to employing Special Olympic Service Ambassadors in our terminals, United has a long-standing partnership with Special Olympics Illinois. I’m honored to serve as co-chair of this year’s Champions Ball as we continue working together to break down barriers and uplift every individual’s potential.”
With over 25 years in the airline industry, Enqvist began his career at Continental Airlines in 1996 and has held leadership roles in both operations and finance. He previously served as United’s EVP and Chief Customer Officer, where he championed innovations to enhance the passenger experience.
Originally from Stockholm, Sweden, Toby earned his undergraduate degree from Ouachita Baptist University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
He serves on the Northwestern University Business Advisory Council and lives in the U.S. with his wife and daughter.
Driving Our Misson Forward
Special Olympics Illinois is committed to building a more inclusive world alongside people with intellectual disabilities. Through year-round programming, Special Olympics Illinois is creating opportunities for growth, personal development, and connection through sports, health, and leadership initiatives for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Sarah and Toby provide the leadership, vision, and commitment that drive our movement forward,” said Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President & CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. “Together, we will continue creating a more inclusive world where every athlete has the opportunity to use their abilities and thrive.”
There are many ways to support Champions Ball, whether through attending, donating, or sponsoring.
Let’s champion every athlete and make 2025 Champions Ball unforgettable.
by Michelle Mayer | Jul 1, 2025 | Change for Champions, Fundraising, Fundraising Events, Jewel-Osco
Special Olympics Illinois and Jewel-Osco are proud to once again partner for the annual Change for Champions campaign, raising essential funds and championing inclusion across Illinois.
This year, we are thrilled to spotlight Jewel-Osco team member and Special Olympics Illinois athlete, Devin, as the 2025 Change for Champions ambassador.
Devin has been a dedicated Jewel-Osco employee since 1998. Originally hired as a Courtesy Clerk, Devin now leads morning maintenance at one of the busiest stores in the region, and he does it all with pride, consistency, and a big heart.
His days begin before many customers walk through the doors, sweeping the lot, emptying recycling, and prepping the store to shine. From keeping restrooms spotless to handling special projects and organizing supplies, Devin tackles every task with excellence and enthusiasm.
“He’s phenomenal,” shares Jean Kugler, the store’s Front End Manager. “Devin doesn’t hesitate when something needs to be done. He even trains new associates because his work sets the standard.
Devin’s dedication extends beyond his assigned duties. He frequently steps in to bag groceries, help with carts, or offer a helping hand when others are overwhelmed. His leadership, teamwork, and strong work ethic have made him a role model for colleagues throughout the store.
Outside of work, Devin is an active athlete in Special Olympics Illinois. He proudly shares photos of his competitions, especially when he gets to cheer on or compete against fellow Jewel-Osco associates from other locations. His joy is infectious, and his love for Special Olympics Illinois radiates in every story he tells.
Devin’s journey perfectly embodies the mission of the Change for Champions campaign: to support and celebrate athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Throughout the month of July, customers can donate to Special Olympics Illinois at more than 180 Jewel-Osco stores statewide, either via pin pad or with cash at checkout. Every contribution creates opportunities for growth, personal development, and connection through sports, health, and leadership programs.
Find a participating Jewel-Osco store near you and support the campaign this July. Know that your donation helps incredible individuals like Devin shine on the job, on the field, and in the community.
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 30, 2025 | Chicago Ducky Derby, Fundraising, Signature Events, Statewide
Every August, thousands gather along the Chicago River for one of the city’s most joyful traditions: the Special Olympics Illinois Chicago Ducky Derby. With more than 75,000 rubber ducks expected to splash down from the Columbus Drive Bridge this year, the race is more than a spectacle; it’s a celebration of inclusion, leadership, and community impact.
And helping lead that impact, once again, are the Darling Ducklings, Special Olympics Illinois’ athlete-led Ducky Fundraising Team.
Since the Chicago Ducky Derby began, the Darling Ducklings have been leading the charge and this year they are back with fresh energy and an ambitious new goal: to sell 17,000 ducks in support of their fellow athletes across Illinois.
It’s a bold number, but one this dedicated team is excited to chase. After all, in recent years, the Ducklings have consistently been responsible for approximately 20% of all ducks sold. This proves that when athletes lead, people rally.
More than just fundraising, the Darling Ducklings are redefining what athlete leadership looks like.
You’ll find them at Ducky Adoption events, community fundraisers, media appearances, and more, spreading awareness, building connections, and proudly advocating for themselves and their peers.
As a team, they work collaboratively, using their voices and talents to remind the public that individuals with intellectual disabilities are leaders and agents of change.
This year’s race holds even more significance: it’s the 20th anniversary of the Chicago Ducky Derby, and the Darling Ducklings are ready to help make it the biggest and most meaningful event yet.
With help from supporters across the state, their team goal of 17,000 is within reach, and with every adoption, they’re powering opportunities in sports, health, and leadership for athletes across Illinois.
On Thursday, August 7, the celebration kicks off at 10:00 AM with the Derby Festival at Pioneer Court (401 N Michigan Ave), followed by the official splashdown at 1:00 PM from the Columbus Drive Bridge. Supporters are invited to watch from the riverfront or join the official watch party at The Northman (233 E Riverwalk) starting at 11:45 AM.
If you’re wondering how you can support the Darling Ducklings, it’s simple: Adopt a duck from their team today.
Each $10 duck is a chance to win great prizes, including a Chevy Trailblazer, and more importantly, a chance to build a more inclusive world.
Because when athletes lead, we all win. And this summer, the Darling Ducklings are leading the way, one duck at a time.
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 24, 2025 | Mission Focused, Region C, Region G, Region K, Sports, State Tournaments
By Randy Kindred
As a freshman at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Ryan McGuire trailed the pack significantly in cross country. Running with a paraprofessional, McGuire typically finished the three-mile races five minutes after the next slowest competitor. The following year, he moved up to the back of the pack. His junior year, he was in the middle of the pack. And by his senior season, McGuire was “nearer to the front,” said his father, Martin.
“You might have been surprised that after his freshman year, he kept on running,” Martin McGuire said. “But he kept after it and kept getting better and better.” After running three miles in 34 minutes as a freshman, Ryan covered the distance in 16 minutes, 23 seconds as a senior. He was just getting started.
Competing in Special Olympics Illinois Region C, the 23-year-old McGuire won a gold medal Saturday morning in the 3,000-meter run at Summer Games, where the state-level competing for athletics (track & field) and seven other sports, is held. He could have run much farther, even in the humid conditions at Illinois State University’s track.
McGuire, who has autism, has become a marathon runner. In April, running with two support runners, he completed the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon course in 2 hours, 52 minutes, 4 seconds.
Next up is the Berlin Marathon in the fall.
“That will be his fifth Abbott World Major Marathon and he’s run all of them under three hours,” Martin McGuire said. “His plans are for the Tokyo Marathon next year. He may be the first Special Olympic athlete to finish the Abbott World Major Marathons in under three hours in each of them.”
Competing in Tokyo would leave only the newly added Sydney Marathon left among the Abbott World Major Marathons. That one will have to wait a bit, but likely, McGuire will run in it, with Dad cheering him on. “This is what Ryan and I do,” Martin McGuire said. “This is what we like to do … getting ready for races and running.”
When Ryan is in training, he runs six days a week and cross-trains on Sundays in a swimming pool. “Do you have running in your background?” his father was asked.
“Not at all,” Martin McGuire replied. “When Ryan goes on a long run, I might ride my bicycle trying to keep up.”
Clearly, running is important to Ryan. So is the message it sends.
“Ryan likes to have people remember that people with autism and delayed development have a lot of talents and a lot of special gifts,” Martin McGuire said. “For each and every one of us, we have to keep going and find what our gifts are and then develop them.”
“Team Brian”
Brian Brown of Harrisburg won gold Saturday in the 50-meter run and experienced a lot of love after receiving his medal. Family members, some wearing ‘Team Brian’ t-shirts, greeted him with smiles and hugs. Included was a group hug from Brown’s nieces and nephews.
Brown’s mother, Jennifer Ratley, said her son began competing in with Special Olympics when he was nine. He’s 32 now. “We have a lot of medals,” Ratley said. “We have everything, every color, even a few ribbons.
“He loves being up here. He has friends here from everywhere. He doesn’t know a stranger. Even though they race against each other, they’re all friends. They do it for fun.”
Kinleys carry on
The Summer Games continued a long association with Special Olympics for Kurt and Karen Kinley of Normal. Kurt, 24, competed in a relay and the 400-meter run. Karen, 18, took part in the softball throw and 100-meter run. Kurt has competed since he was eight years old.
“I like to get medals for everyone,” he said. “I like to inspire other people. Every athlete is so amazing.”
Kurt and Karen compete for Bloomington’s SOAR. They are supported by their parents, Dave and Michele Kinley. Dave is a former school administrator and Michele is a Special Education teacher in McLean County Unit 5.
“We’ve been very fortunate to live in a community where there are so many different opportunities,” Dave Kinley said. “Two weeks ago, we did Pizza in the Park through SOAR. It was for dads, so it was Kurt, Karen and me. Karen is going to take a candle making class through SOAR. There are just a lot of things.
“It’s been a real blessing to our family.”
From a mall to medals
When Eric Haderlein of Libertyville was very young, he would run through a local mall during the winter to “get some energy out,” said his mother, Ann Haderlein.
“There was a girl working there who would watch him every morning and she was like, ‘One day, I bet he’s going to be in the Olympics,’” Ann said. “Now, he is!”
It may not be in the international Olympics, but the state Summer Games are exhilarating for Eric, 29. He has competed for many years and relished the bronze medal he won Saturday. Asked what he likes best about the Special Olympics Illinois, he replied, “Winning and having fun.”
“He really looks forward to it,” his mother said. “It gets him out and it’s social. He was very excited (by the medal). He feels very proud of himself.”
To learn more about the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, please visit soill.org/summergames.
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