Each person involved in Unified Champion Schools, and Special Olympics does it for their own reasons. They each have wonderful experiences that build up to this day, and this moment. What brings us together? The belief that everyone deserves respect! Here are some stories from the members of the Unified Champion Schools Youth Activation Committee!…
By Bruce Yentes; Reprinted with Permission of The Pantagraph It was a “golden moment” all the way around, from the rays of sunshine bathing the Illinois State University track and field facility to the glistening winner’s medallion that hung from the neck of 16-year-old Rachel McGrew of Downs. Shining brightest, however, was the light of…
Jordan VanKooten, 15, a Special Olympics athlete from Pawnee (Area 17), has rockets on his feet. Before his races, he “prepares” his shoes by “lighting the rockets” on them. Jordan participated in the 100-meter walk and tennis ball throw at this year’s Summer Games. Before each throw, he would “light the rocket” on the ball….
By DON O’BRIEN; Reprinted with Permission of Herald-Whig Seth Coons, a player with the Transitions of Adams County Stars & Stripes team, couldn’t believe his eyes when he showed up to his first soccer practice earlier this year. A longtime fan of Quincy University soccer, Coons walked on to the field and saw longtime Hawks coach Jack Mackenzie…
Everyone has stories to tell. For the past two years, Mike Chmielewski of West Dundee has organized what he calls “the Buddy’s Outing.” Composed of 24 buddies and 24 athletes, the outing is an opportunity for Special Olympics athletes to golf with a buddy and share their stories with them. The outing was at Bartlett…
