Marmion Academy of Aurora has been named the 2016 Special Olympics Illinois’ Outstanding Organization of the Year Award. Marmion Academy accepted the award at a reception June 10 before the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games Opening Ceremony at Illinois State University in Illinois.
The Outstanding Organization Award recognizes a club, business or organization whose efforts have significantly improved the Special Olympics Illinois athletes’ experiences either locally or statewide.
Marmion Academy is one of the first event host locations for Special Olympics Illinois Far West Suburban Area 2. Marmion hosted the Area track and field meet from 1974-1976, and also hosted the first aquatics meets. After a short break in participation, teacher Bill Johnson began having students volunteer with Special Olympics.
For more than 15 years, the all-male private school has provided volunteers for the Area 2 Winter Games, bocce, Spring Games, bowling, golf, 2015 Holiday Party and a local Motor Activities Training Day. Marmion has also been kind enough to open up Marmion to host the July Tennis Tournament for the past two years. Marmion always come with men who are focused, responsible, reliable and are willing to do whatever is asked of them. They are an outstanding group of men who routinely get comments and compliments from coaches, parents and other volunteers.
This school year, Cadet Camps with Special Olympics was created and Marmion Academy has opened up its facilities and coaching to the athletes. In addition, the Marmion football team has worked out with local Special Olympics athletes and the track team has also volunteered to work with the athletes.
Bill Johnson and Marmion Academy are always jumping at opportunities to support Special Olympics. They have cultivated support from their coaches, the Principal and the Athletic Director. The nominator of Marmion Academy said, “Marmion Academy is and has always been an Outstanding Organization in the area.”
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and completion in 19 sports for more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 20,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills, and encourage family and community support. If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org.