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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Area News – May 2016

Far West Suburban/Area 2 29th Annual Midwest Golf Celebrity Pro-Am The 29th Annual Midwest Golf Celebrity Pro-Am to benefit Far West Suburban/Area 2 will be June 20 at The Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles. The format for this year’s event will match professional athletes, and other celebrities with amateur foursomes in a scramble…

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Area News – April 2016

Chicagoland Areas Career Training – Enrollment Open Are you, your child or a loved one struggling to get a job – or even an interview? Aspire, a local leader in providing bold and uncompromising services to kids and adults with disabilities and their families across Chicagoland, is seeking candidates for Aspire CareerLink. Aspire CareerLink is an…

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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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