Special Olympics Illinois is celebrating its 41st Winter Games this year in Galena. Winter Games is one of 13 annual state championships and is the culminating competition for athletes competing in Alpine skiing and showshoeing. For some athletes, however, this Winter Games has a different focus. Every four years, Special Olympics North America holds a…
Category: More Inspiring Stories
State Trooper is 14-Year Veteran at Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games
Many people know the name, Special Olympics, and understand what the organization does in the community. But chances are, not as many people have heard the name, Law Enforcement Torch Run, nor do they understand how impactful it and its participants are. The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the single largest year-round fundraising vehicle…
Our Life in Special Olympics
Each athlete at Special Olympics Illinois has their own unique story. We recently received a letter written by twin sisters, Jean and Jan, from Region I about their experiences with Special Olympics that we wanted to share. Jean and Jan are looking forward to getting back into Special Olympics. We started doing Special Olympics when…
Inspiring Journeys Highlight 2021 State Bowling Tournament
by Rand Kindred There were roughly 400 athletes competing Saturday, December 4, in the Special Olympics Illinois State Bowling Tournament at Peoria’s Landmark Lanes. Each had a story unique to them. Amid this mass of heart-warming tales, played out in three shifts on Landmark’s 50 lanes, were two of the most inspiring stories you will…
2021 State Flag Football: An Athlete Leader
Jonathan Steiner was one of 300 Special Olympics Illinois athletes who traveled across the state to compete in the 2021 State Flag Football last weekend in Peoria. Jonathan and his team, the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) Knights, came in from Crystal Lake, Ill., which is about a three-hour road trip. Jonathan says it’s…