The cold weather did not stop Special Olympics Illinois athlete Kaylee McLaughlin from taking the Plunge At Home. Kaylee took the Polar Plunge from home on Sunday, February 21, where she took an icy dip into a pool. Like many, this was her first time plunging at home. Historically, she has plunged into Wick’s Lake…
How the organization has influenced not only my daughter, but also my entire family. By Ken Walker My daughter, Emilee Walker, got her start with Special Olympics Illinois fifteen years ago when her teacher asked her if she would like to join the Special Olympics bowling team. Emilee took a leap of faith and said…
On February 6th, 7th, and 8th, Galena will once again welcome athletes from throughout the state for the Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games. It will also be one particular athlete’s chance to be golden… again. Just a few months before the first Special Olympics games at Soldier Field in Chicago, the world welcomed Mike Barry….
Every year Special Olympics Illinois relies on the generosity of tens of thousands of volunteers to put on nearly 300 events and competitions. These helpers, comprised of family members, friends, students, corporate sponsors and community members, are key to both local and statewide initiatives. Many volunteers return to the same events annually and become a…
Hayden Davis of Washington and his family have been involved with Special Olympics Illinois Heartland/Area 6 since 2002. Hayden, a 23-year-old athlete with the Tazewood Warriors Special Olympics team, has participated in five different sports throughout his time with Special Olympics. Hayden participated in the 4×400-meter relay race at the 2016 Summer Games at Illinois…
