Meet Ben Simpson

Ben Simpson has been competing in Special Olympics Illinois for 25 years and is an active participant in basketball, equestrian, golf, snowshoeing, swimming, and his personal favorite, powerlifting!  He is a familiar face at many State Championship events as a competitor, but will also be adding the title of assistant coach to his resume, serving…

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2016 SOILL Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

Eric Smith of Sherman has received the 2016 Special Olympics Illinois’ Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award. He was honored at a reception on June 10 before the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games Opening Ceremony at Illinois State University in Normal. The Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes an individual who through their voluntary efforts improve the…

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Retired Police Master Sergeant Can’t Stop Plunging

Retired Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Diane Vanderkooy is truly a trailblazer within Special Olympics. From handing out medals at Spring Games to raising money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to jumping into Lake Springfield for the Polar Plunge, Vanderkooy shines at every event. The Illinois State Police (ISP) became involved with the Springfield…

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Four Illinois Teams Represent at SONA Softball Invitational Tournament

Special Olympics Illinois was represented by 51 athletes and Unified partners on four softball teams at the 2015 Special Olympics North America Softball Invitational Tournament in Wichita, Kansas. Representing Illinois were:  Chicago Park District – Daniel Bauer, Anthony Clark, Kevin Curet, Francis Duchon, Brittany Granger, Peter Hertal, Luis Iwamuro, Desiree Jackson, Lorenzo Miranda, Miguel Mosqueda,…

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