Southside Chicago Unified Team Ready for State   

  It’s a long-lost brotherhood, according to Andy MacIntosh. The St. Rita of Cascia High School Service and Academic Support Coordinator is one of the coaches of the Southside Buckets. He said he could not be prouder of the Unified team. The Southside Buckets is a Unified team composed of Special Olympics Illinois athletes from…

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Two Athletes Express Excitement for Basketball Tournament 

For Katie Pratt, 17, and Vera Lindquist, 17, the State Basketball Tournament can’t come fast enough. Katie attends Grant Community High School in Fox Lake and Vera attends Round Lake High School. Both are looking forward to the 2023 Special Olympics Illinois State Basketball Tournament on March 10 and 11. Katie said she is excited…

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A Message from Dave on His Final Plunge

  It’s hard to believe, but Sunday, March 5, 2023 will represent my last official plunge as CEO and President of Special Olympics Illinois. As many now know, I will be retiring at the end of 2023. Looking back, my very first foray into the Polar Plunge was the winter of 2000, at Lake of…

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Loving Mathew Davis Is a Family Affair

  Special Olympics Illinois athlete Matthew Davis, 36, is easy to love, according to his dad, Dr. Jim Davis, and his stepmom, JoAnn Pellegrino. “Everything about him is awesome,” JoAnn said. “He keeps me on track. He plans out our meals. Picks out our grocery list. I would be lost without him.” “He has an…

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Let’s Get Groovy – Respect Week 2023 Is Here

  Special Olympics Illinois Respect Week begins Monday, February 27 and will run through Friday, March 3. Schools from across the state will be invited to participate in week-long themes, lessons, discussions, and games to foster inclusion for all students. Each day of the week is associated with a color and aims to raise awareness…

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