by Ryan | Dec 7, 2023 | Uncategorized
Dear Special Olympics Illinois Community, I hope this communication finds you well. This year has been a whirlwind and, as it draws to a close, I have been reflecting on my incredible journey with Special Olympics Illinois. Together, we have met many milestones and provided immeasurable life-changing opportunities to countless athletes and families within our community. As you can imagine, facing a new chapter in your life compels you to recall those in the past. I believe I would be remiss not to mention my mother and the watershed moment I had with her in 1971. My mother and I attended a neighborhood gathering in our small farming community. There, I met a boy my age named Brian. Brian was a person with Down syndrome. As a young boy, all I was able to recognize was Brian spoke and acted differently than me and I was unsure how to act. My mother pulled me aside and explained to me that all Brian wanted was a friend. It was a life-changing moment. That moment began a lifetime of learning – learning from individuals like Brian, and so many others, that society used to say did not have worth. And that moment propelled me into a lifetime of service, something else I learned from my mother. She believed in living your life in service and trying to make a difference. I know following her example led me here today. And today, we see extraordinary accomplishments from individuals with intellectual disabilities. Athletes are displaying immense strength by competing in marathons and triathlons, showing tremendous courage by giving inspirational speeches in front of thousands, and spreading awareness as advocates and leaders in our community. All they needed was a chance. Providing that chance certainly takes a village.
I must acknowledge the dedicated peer partners, coaches, and volunteers, who have played an integral role in empowering our athletes to reach their full potential. Thank you for being teammates, friends, and members of the mission. I am grateful to our generous donors and the incredible Board members who have selflessly contributed their time, resources, and expertise to further our cause. To my colleagues, past and present, it has been a pleasure working alongside you. It is your passion, hard work, and innovation that has pushed Special Olympics Illinois to new heights. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I have no doubt this organization will continue to transform lives under new leadership. To all the athlete families who have trusted us with the care and development of your loved ones. Thank you for being an advocate and helping us become the community we are today. And to the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. What I have learned, and whom I have learned from the most, are you. In fact, you are our true teachers. You are the most evolved in love, courage, compassion, and attitude. Your spirit demonstrates the joy, strength, and goodness so rarely found in this world.
To all those who have assisted, supported, and mentored me – I owe you an unpayable debt. The only way to even try to repay it is in my attempt to make a difference, an effort I will continue in my retirement. On a personal note, I would also like to thank my loved ones – family and friends alike – for the support they have shown me throughout my life and during my tenure here at Special Olympics Illinois. Through the miles and miles traversing Illinois, many events attended, and after-hours focused on the job, you have stood by me. I hope to return the favor. As I sign off, I would like to propose a giving opportunity to you. To continue to impact the lives of the individuals we serve, I would be honored if you would consider donating to The Champions Fund. This fund will be used to further create innovative programs to foster a more inclusive world, and a portion will directly benefit athletes and refugees in Ukraine and other locations who are facing such adversity at this time. In closing, as I bid farewell to this incredible organization that has been my second family, I am filled with thankfulness for every moment of learning and discovery I’ve had on this journey. It has been the ride of a lifetime. With Gratitude, Dave Breen Dave Breen President & CEO Special Olympics Illinois
by Ryan | Dec 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
By Randy Kindred
Bowling has found its way to Sam Angelo’s heart. The 20-year-old from Wheaton has immersed himself in the sport, faithfully attending practices with the Wheaton District 200 Flying Tigers and bowling regularly on weekends.
The dedication led to Angelo’s participation Saturday in the Special Olympics Illinois State Bowling Tournament. He was among more than 250 competitors at Peoria’s Landmark Lanes, placing fifth in the M10 division.
His first trip to state had him smiling from ear to ear.
“I was just excited,” he said. “I was just glad that I made it this far. I didn’t get first place, but making it to state is good for me. There’s always next year.”
Angelo was the lone state qualifier among the Flying Tigers’ 15 bowlers at regional competition. He has improved steadily, recently rolling a personal-best game of 159.
Saturday, he had games of 99, 104 and 80 with his parents, Jim and Dawn Angelo, and his coach, Dana Eden, cheering him on.
“It (bowling) is challenging,” Sam said. “On a bunch of Saturdays, I went bowling with friends. When I started on the bowling team, my average was 70. But lately, I’ve been getting over 100.”
Repeatedly Saturday, Angelo held his fingers an inch or two apart after narrowly missing a spare and said happily, “I was this close.” His outlook remained upbeat throughout.
That was no surprise to Eden.
“He’s a joy to be with and always stays on the positive side, not dwelling on the negative,” she said. “He’s a very focused bowler, but he has so much sportsmanship. Every time we’re bowling, he’s cheering someone else on. He sets the best example that way.”
Angelo was on the tennis team at Wheaton North High School and played Special Olympics basketball in the past. Bowling is his sport now, in part because of the individual aspect of it.
“He likes that he depends on himself,” his father said. “He doesn’t have to worry about anybody else, he doesn’t have to worry about anybody judging him.
“In a basketball game, you have a referee judging what’s going on. Here, there’s nobody judging him. You can’t take something away from him. That’s what he likes the most.”
Sam is independent in many ways. He has worked for two years at Mariano’s, a grocery store a half-mile from his house. He often drives himself there. Among his duties are bagging groceries, gathering shopping carts and, on occasion, emptying trash cans.
“Doing the trash cans … I hate that job,” he said, smiling.
You also should know this. Sam is, in his father’s words, “a root beer aficionado.”
“He can tell you which ones are the good ones and which are great ones,” Jim Angelo said. “I don’t think he’s had a bad one.”
“He knows his root beer,” Dawn Angelo added. “He wins the competition every year at school. They do a contest like, ‘Which is which?’ It’s like Pepsi and Coke (Challenge), that old thing. He knows which one it is.”
Sam Angelo didn’t win Saturday. Yet, with a kind heart, warm smile and giving spirit, he’s winning in the ways that matter.
“We are so lucky to have him,” his mother said. “He is just wonderful.”
College Athletes Lend Hand
Volunteers from the Eureka College and Illinois Central College athletic programs helped with the tournament. Eureka College softball and baseball players assisted bowlers in the morning shift, while athletes from ICC did so in the afternoon.
The event was rewarding for Eureka College’s Alayla Thornton, a sophomore softball player.
“I love it, especially because I’m an elementary education major and a special education major,” she said.
“It gives me more experience and it’s so exciting to see the smiles on their faces when they do well. Even when they don’t, they’re really happy to be here.”
Teammate Klaire Morris, a senior, said the Red Devils “love doing this kind of thing.”
“Just being out in the community and helping out … we’re big on that,” Morris said. “We do a lot of different things with the team. It really helps us as a team and helps our community.”
Click here to learn more or see results from the 2023 State Bowling Tournament.
by Ryan | Nov 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
Smiles. High fives. Hugs. Pats of the back. Everywhere you turned this past week in Chicago, you saw Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement officers and the unity between the two.
This fellowship was on display during the annual International Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Conference, held October 28-30 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.
The event, which is held in a new location each year, returned to Illinois for the first time since 1996. Attendees ranged from those athletes and officers, along with the chief executive officers from approximately 45 Special Olympics programs across the world, the athlete and officer families, program staff, as well as many others.
And, throughout the weekend, among the comradery, a similar sentiment rang out from everyone in attendance – the importance of community and acceptance.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run makes a real impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities in a local community,” said Pat Hoey, retired Chief of Police, Carpentersville, Illinois, and Region 4 Coordinator for LETR International Executive Council. “Building inclusion in a community can start right there – and helps show the Special Olympics athletes they can be accepted for who they are.”
Nori Barnes, a Special Olympics Illinois athlete from Belvidere, shared their moving story and how the Special Olympics movement and the officers of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run, like Hoey, have impacted Nori’s life.
After Nori’s experience with LETR officers, her perspective on officers changed. “I started seeing how police officers interacted with my friends and teammates at Special Olympic events. It allowed me to start relaxing around them a bit more,” said Nori.
“Police officers like Pat Hoey and Sergeant Amy from Huntley, [Illinois] have allowed me to see them not only as regular humans, but also as dear friends and even my family. If it was not for SO and LETR, I would not be the advocate that I am today,” Nori continued.
“Also, I feel that I would not have been able to ask for help, like I can now, without the blessings of police officers in my life. My involvement in LETR has allowed me to learn from the trauma in my life and find safety in police officers.”
The tradition of the Law Enforcement Torch Run goes back to 1981, when a flicker of hope for Special Olympics athletes became a roaring flame of stability for the Special Olympics movement.
In fact, it was announced at the conference that the group has now raised more than $1 billion since its inception in 1981 to support this life-changing programming for Special Olympics athletes.
Participating officers are now the guardians of the Flame of Hope that millions of Special Olympics athletes around the globe today recognize as a symbol of dreams, determination, and perseverance.
In Illinois, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has two goals, to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics. Participating departments host fundraisers and attend competitions to hand out awards to athletes.
One breakout featured athletes during a question-and-answer session, and they shared how the involvement of law enforcement officers has meant the world to them.
Susan Kuborn, an athlete from Rockford, Illinois, shared that she felt proud to receive a medal from an officer and be able to shake their hand.
Perhaps athlete Alex Huegen from Bartelso, Illinois summed it up best when he said, “The community that everyone has attends and supports. That’s pretty much the answer to everything.”
Building a more inclusive world may just be an answer to everything, and these officers are working toward just that, one community at a time.
You can learn more about how to get involved with the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run on our website.
by Ryan | Oct 30, 2023 | Uncategorized
In the heart of Chicago, at the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) International Conference this past weekend, officers from around the globe, who have vowed to serve and protect all members of their communities, were celebrated for their achievements and contributions to creating a more inclusive world.
The LETR for Special Olympics is a year-round commitment and the impact is on the global scale. This movement champions acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities and raises critical funds for Special Olympics programming.
LETR is responsible for carrying the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony of Special Olympics competitions, state games, and holds large-scale fundraisers to benefit Special Olympics athletes.
a group of people standing together
But, it is more than merely a run and a fundraising arm.
It’s a movement.
And here in Illinois, we have the highest net fundraising program in the world.
There are nearly 3,000 officers, employees, and volunteers involved with Illinois LETR. And this Illinois LETR program accepted two prestigious awards at the international conference this weekend. First, the aforementioned highest-net fundraising program worldwide and then being selected for the distinguished Guardian Award.
Receiving these top global honors is even sweeter in our sweet home Chicago.
The Illinois program raised more than $4.5 million in 2022, making it the top net fundraising program on the global level. Since its inception in 1986, LETR for Special Olympics Illinois has raised more than $70 million for the program. “We are immensely grateful to our law enforcement partners for their extraordinary dedication and hard work to make this program a tremendous success and the premier program in the world,” says Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President & CEO, Special Olympics Illinois.
a few people standing together
The program also earned the 2023 Guardian Award. This award is granted to one program each year for its outstanding contribution to the true mission of LETR and guarding the Flame of Hope with utmost respect. Beale-DelVecchio continues, “receiving these top honors spotlights their commitment to our mission, and their remarkable efforts make a profound difference in the lives of our athletes, their families, and the communities they serve.”
The LETR for Special Olympics Illinois is led by Director, Sergeant Bill Devine. “We are so proud … It is an honor to receive these awards, but it’s not only about raising funds, it’s about fostering a spirit of inclusion within our communities,” said Devine.
You can learn more about how to get involved with the Illinois LETR on our website.
The International LETR Conference was sponsored by Coca-Cola, Gallagher-Bassett, Geiger, and MTM Recognition.
