by lauryn | Apr 6, 2026 | Athletes, Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Region B, Sports, USA Games
For eight weeks last fall, athletes across the country logged their workouts, tracked healthy habits, and pushed themselves toward better fitness through the SONA Move Challenge. Among thousands of participants, one name rose to the top: Melanie Harwood, a 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Team Illinois swimming athlete from Region B, who finished first in Illinois and fourth in the nation with an incredible 336,759 points.
For Melanie, the challenge wasn’t just about competition, it was about preparation and personal growth. “I wanted to get fitter for USA Games. It made me more aware of what I could do better for my health,” she shared. As a server in a senior living home, she stays active on the job, and her workplace community has become one of her biggest cheer squads. “The residents and staff are very encouraging … They really enjoy watching the videos my parents take and are looking forward to seeing the videos from nationals.”
Building Healthy Habits Through SONA Move
The SONA Move Challenge follows the Fit 5 + Healthy Minds model, encouraging participants to stay active, eat well, hydrate, and practice mental wellness. Melanie embraced the structure, and the accountability.
She said the challenge helped her recognize one habit in particular: “It made me more aware of how much water I needed to drink.” The revamped Special Olympics fitness app also played a big role in keeping her motivated. “Seeing my position on the leaderboard helped challenge me to do better.”
Not everything came easily. “The hardest part was making sure I ate enough fruits and vegetables every day, but I really did enjoy them,” she smiled. Melanie stayed committed, proving exactly why the SONA Move Challenge is such a powerful tool for building lifelong wellness.
Training for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Melanie will compete in the 200-meter freestyle, 200-meter individual medley, and a freestyle swimming relay at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Her training is already well underway, and she credits both SONA Move and her Fitbit for helping her stay on track.
As June approaches, Melanie’s anticipation is building. “I am very excited and looking forward to meeting athletes from all the different states at [the] USA Games,” she says.
Celebrating Health, Community, and Confidence
Melanie’s success in the SONA Move Challenge is a testament to the power of accessible health programming, and the strength of athletes who embrace it. The challenge fosters community, accountability, and positive mental health, all while helping athletes prepare for the sports they love.
Her journey is a reminder of what’s possible when athletes are supported with the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities to grow.
Special Olympics Illinois will be cheering loudly for Melanie this June, and if her SONA Move performance is any indication, she’s just getting started.
Learn more about the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Illinois delegation. Download the Special Olympics Fitness App on Google Play or Apple.
by lauryn | Feb 27, 2026 | Athlete Leadership, Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Organizational Impact, Region B, Region C, UCS/Unified
Earlier this month, leaders from Special Olympics Illinois traveled to Washington, D.C. for Capitol Hill Day, joining advocates from across the country to meet with members of Congress. Their purpose was simple but powerful: share how Special Olympics’ programs are changing lives, and advocate for continued federal funding to ensure those opportunities continue for future generations.
Capitol Hill Day puts faces to the funding. When athletes and students speak directly to lawmakers, they show that inclusion is not just an idea, it’s a lived experience shaping schools and communities every day.
Friendship That Speaks Volumes
For Derek Otero, a Special Olympics Illinois athlete and student at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School (BBCHS), the week was unforgettable.
“My favorite about Capitol Hill week is meeting people from different states and having fun with them,” he said. “I felt extremely blessed to meet every Congressman/woman we met, it was a life-changing experience.”
His message was rooted in connection: “My impact is to create as many friendships as you can, it is always a blessing to do it.”
That spirit was evident in his Unified partner, Calvin Kohl.
“Meeting with members of Congress was both nerve wracking and empowering,” Calvin shared. “It felt like it was an opportunity to represent so many others and impact thousands of people across the country.”
He left with a clear understanding of why advocacy matters. “Inclusion doesn’t just happen on its own, it takes a lot of effort, leadership, and advocacy for support … each of our voices has more value than we might think.”
Their friendship and teamwork did not go unnoticed. Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President & CEO of Special Olympics Illinois, reflected:
“The most memorable part of Capitol Hill Day this year was watching the interactions between Calvin and Derek. They have a great partnership and a true friendship.”
Together, Derek and Calvin demonstrated exactly what Unified stands for — friendship, leadership, and mutual support.
Gold Medal Moments on Capitol Hill
Athlete Leader Katie O’Neill brought energy, gratitude, and emotion to every part of Capitol Hill Day. One of her favorite moments was meeting Representative Nikki Budzinski and presenting her gold medal.
Athlete Leader Katie O’Neill brought energy, gratitude, and emotion to every part of Capitol Hill Day. One of her favorite moments was meeting Representative Nikki Budzinski and presenting her gold medal.
“If it weren’t for people like her, I would have never been able to win a gold medal!” Katie said. She also loved standing in the Capitol gallery, calling it the “room where it all happens,” a reference to the musical Hamilton she discussed with Rep. Budzinski.
The day was deeply moving. “It was so inspiring! And so powerful! I cried and so did my mom,” she recalled. But beyond the emotion, Katie felt truly heard. “They respect us and want to hear what we have to say. I could tell they were listening.”
Amanda Walker, educator and Special Olympics Illinois coordinator at BBCHS, highlighted the impact of the experience: “All of the staff… listened intently, asked questions, and offered support for our mission. It reminded me that advocacy, at any level, can make a difference.”
Building Communities of Belonging
Capitol Hill Day is a chance to show lawmakers why federal support for Special Olympics programs is essential. These programs help individuals build confidence, form lasting friendships, and develop leadership skills that carry into their communities.
Mo Khan, Senior Director of Advancement & Government Relations at Special Olympics Illinois, explained, “Public funding to support health, education, and opportunity for millions of American families who are a part of the greater disability community is a great investment.”
Through their stories on Capitol Hill, Illinois’ delegation showed that funding Special Olympics isn’t just about programs, it’s about building communities where everyone belongs.
by Michelle Mayer | Sep 8, 2025 | Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Region B, Statewide
Liz Litvak knows her way around a doctor’s office. As someone living with a disability and a genetic disorder, she’s met with countless specialists over the years. But even with all that experience, speaking up during appointments hasn’t always come easy.
That’s why she joined a new health simulation session hosted by Special Olympics Illinois and the University of Illinois Chicago’s Simulation and Integrative Learning Institute (SAIL).
The goal? To help athletes build confidence in communicating with healthcare professionals, and to strengthen their ability to advocate for their own care.
That opportunity came to life in July, when a small group of athletes gathered to learn skills to improve communication and self-advocacy during doctor visits.
“Because I go to a lot of appointments for my disability and genetic disorder, I see many specialists,” shared Region B athlete Liz Litvak. “That’s why I wanted to participate in this project.”
Practicing for Real-Life Care
A health simulation is a “pretend” interaction between patients and healthcare professionals, designed to mirror real-life experiences. In this case, athletes met with trained actors portraying doctors.
The goal is to practice navigating common medical scenarios in a safe, supportive environment.
Inside the Simulated Appointments
Each athlete participated in two simulated doctor’s appointments.
In the first scenario athletes prepared for a first visit with a new doctor to discuss managing a chronic condition. This scenario tasked the athlete to discuss current medications, medical history, symptoms, and allowed time to ask healthcare provider questions.
Then, in the second scenario athletes were asked to respond to a treatment plan that could impact their ability to compete in sports. Here, they practiced expressing concerns, asked about various treatment options, and negotiated treatment alternatives.
Turning Practice into Confidence
After each scenario, athletes debriefed with staff and peers to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Discussions centered around how to self-advocate and to learn how to communicate respectfully and confidently.
“One of the doctors asked me questions during our session, and it really stood out,” Litvak shared. “It reminded me how important it is to be honest with your doctor.”
Athletes thrive when given the chance to grow, and these simulations are showing us new ways to support them on their health journeys.
“This experience gave me more confidence to speak up,” Litvak said. “I know I’ve gotten better at advocating for myself during my doctor’s appointments, and I want to help teach others to do the same.”
Programs like this show what’s possible when athletes are supported not just on the field, but in every part of life. Whether in sports, health, or leadership, their success lifts us all.
Learn more about how Special Olympics Illinois is committed to advancing health initiatives for athletes in Illinois.
by lauryn | Apr 14, 2025 | Athlete Leadership, Athletes, Chicago Ducky Derby, Fundraising, Jewel-Osco, Mission Focused, Region B, Signature Events, Uncategorized
Special Olympics Illinois is thrilled to introduce Zach Coppel of Highland Park as the 2025 Chicago Ducky Derby Ambassador. “Keeping the secret was hard,” Zach shares how he felt learning about his new title. “I was surprised and happy and I’m honored to do it.”
On August 7, Special Olympics Illinois will host the Chicago Ducky Derby, where thousands will gather to watch a truck full of rubber ducks splash down into the Chicago River.
Each year, Special Olympics Illinois selects an athlete to represent their peers naming them the Chicago Ducky Derby Ambassador. The Chicago Ducky Derby Ambassador advocates the mission of Special Olympics Illinois all Derby season, fundraises by selling ducks, and pulls the winning duck from the river on race day.
Zach was selected for this role because he is a passionate Special Olympics Illinois athlete, a leader and advocate in the community for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and is a dedicated member of the Darling Ducklings, the athlete-led Chicago Ducky Derby Fundraising Team.
Ambassador Has More Than 30 Years of Competition, Friendship, and Growth
Zach has been an athlete for more than 30 years, participating in countless competitions and making lifelong friends. His favorite sport? Alpine skiing, along with bocce and swimming.
Zach loves skiing for outdoor adventure, bocce for the chance to connect with friends across the state, and swimming for the number of teammates and friendly faces he meets.
When asked what keeps him coming back, Zach says it’s all about exercise, teamwork, and community. “To be a champion,” he says, “you’ve got to work as a team. To be a good teammate, you cheer your team on.”
Leading On and Off the Field
In addition to being a dedicated athlete, Zach is also an Athlete Leader. Athlete Leadership is a Special Olympics Illinois program that supports athletes as they develop skills and take on leadership roles.
“Zach’s confidence has grown so much,” states Zach’s mother, Micki Coppel. “He self-advocates and has the ability to try new things and take on new challenges.”
Zach uses his voice and experience to help shape the future of Special Olympics Illinois and advocates for inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
A Life of Independence and Community
Zach has lived independently for over a decade. “I love it. I get up when I want, and go to bed when I want,” he says.
He has worked at Jewel-Osco in Lake Forest for more than 12 years and has been in the grocery business since 2000.
In his free time, Zach loves cooking, watching TV, lending a hand when his parents need something fixed around their house, and spending time with friends. “I love having friends over to play card games,” he shares.
His family describes him as friendly, outgoing, and cheerful, traits that shine in everything he does.
From Selling Ducks to Selecting the Winner
Zach joined the Darling Ducklings Ducky Fundraising Team in 2022. The Darling Ducklings is a Chicago Ducky Derby Fundraising Team that consists of all Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
Year over year, the Darling Ducklings outsell every other Ducky Fundraising Team and significantly contribute to the overall goal to have more than 75,000 rubber ducks adopted by race day.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of this annual fundraiser. This beloved tradition provides the community with a spectacular visual and fun experience while raising awareness and critical funds to support an inclusive community of more than 60,000 athletes, Young Athletes, Unified Partners, coaches, volunteers, and more across the state.
For the community to enter the race, participants can adopt ducks individually or in packages starting at $10. Each duck adopted supports Special Olympics Illinois statewide programing, plus represents a chance to win exciting prizes including the grand prize of a Chevy Trailblazer.
To support Zach and his fellow athletes, try your luck and adopt a duck.
by lauryn | Apr 8, 2025 | Athletes, Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Region B, Uncategorized
Lauren Miller has been involved with Special Olympics Illinois for 18 years, starting as a young figure skater and later transitioning to swimming. As a Health Messenger for the past five years, she now shares her passion for health and wellness with fellow athletes.
Lauren’s journey began when she was just nine years old. After years of figure skating, she discovered a new passion in swimming, which felt more natural and gave her a sense of progress. Today, she trains with Evanston Special Recreation in Region B and stays active through personal training and solo workouts. Outside of sports, she loves spending time with her cat, listening to music, and reading.
As an advocate for athlete well-being, Lauren is using Stress Awareness Month as an opportunity to share her strategies for managing stress and staying balanced.
Q&A with Health Messenger Lauren Miller
Q: Why is it important to talk about stress?
A: It is very important for athletes to talk about stress because if something is stressing you out, it will affect your performance when you are working out and/or in your sport. For example, if you had a bad day, you might not feel motivated to workout and/or go to your practice session. You might feel like you can’t do it and make a mistake. You might not be focused. So yes, it’s very important for athletes to talk about stress. Coming up with solutions to calm yourself and telling yourself you can do it before a workout and/or before your practice session could definitely help you.
Q: What are some signs that someone might be feeling overwhelmed or stressed?
A: Some signs of being overwhelmed or stressed could be unsteady breathing, hands clenched in fists, body is tensed, or you could be pacing around.
Q: What strategies do you use to manage stress in your daily life?
A: To manage my stress, my favorite strategy is to do some deep breathing. I take in a nice, big breath, count to five, let it out as I count to five, and then do it again until I feel more relaxed. Another strategy I practice is stretching. Even when I’m not working out, I love it. As I stretch, my body becomes less tense and more calm. It feels great.
Q: How does staying active and exercising help with stress?
A: Staying active and exercising helps you stay calm because you start to feel more positive and motivated. You have a lot more energy to do more.
Q: How can teammates, coaches, and family members support athletes who are feeling stressed?
A: Coaches and family members can support athletes by having conversations to understand where their mind is at. Get an idea of what they already understand on their own. Let the athlete ask questions about what they don’t understand. For teammates to support each other, they can ask if they are okay, ask if they want company or not, and remind each other that they are there if they need a friend.
Q: What advice would you give to a fellow Special Olympics Illinois athlete about handling stress?
A: I would tell my fellow athletes that handling stress is important. Finding a balance between healthy relationships and taking care of yourself will be very helpful. I would say that they aren’t alone. I have stress too and I don’t always make the right choice. I understand how you feel.
Inspiring Wellness Year-Round
Lauren’s dedication to maintaining her own well-being while encouraging others to do the same makes her an incredible Health Messenger. By sharing her story and stress management strategies, she hopes to inspire fellow athletes to find healthy ways to cope and thrive, not just during Stress Awareness Month but all year-long.
Learn more about Special Olympics Illinois Health Initiatives.
by Kira Ryan | Feb 17, 2025 | Athletes, Mission Focused, Region B, Region D, Sports, State Tournaments, Uncategorized
Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games is always an unforgettable event.
Throughout three incredible days in Galena, more than 350 athletes from across the state came together to show off their abilities in alpine skiing and snowshoeing at the state-level competition.
Whether racing down the slopes or powering through the snowshoeing course, each participant gave it their all.
Over at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, snowshoeing competition was met with fierce competition and cheering fans.
“That’s my buddy racing,” Region D athlete Eric Bell shouted toward his friend and teammate Robert Taylor at the start of his race, a true testament to the bonds formed within this community.
“It was good. It was a nice ride,” Region B athlete Josh LeClaire reflected after his snowshoeing race, embracing the joy of the experience.
Meanwhile, over at alpine skiing, athletes carved their way down the slopes with speed and precision.
Region C athlete Haley Morris proudly declared, “I’m so proud of myself. I did it,” after a gold medal was placed around her neck for her win in the Super G race.
Winter Games saw a different shift in weather every day which added to the excitement of the event.
Tuesday began with no snow in sight, but by Wednesday and Thursday, a thick blanket of fresh snow covered the competition areas, creating ideal conditions for skiing and snowshoeing events.
But despite the day, with snow or without, the February cold was in the air. But for many it wasn’t even a factor. “It’s not cold to me,” one athlete was overheard saying atop Chestnut Mountain.
No matter the weather, no matter the challenge, the athletes showed what it truly means to push limits and embrace the thrill of competition.
Their enthusiasm is what keeps the excitement high and makes Winter Games an unforgettable celebration of determination, friendship, and the true display of inclusion.
View photos and results from 2025 Winter Games.
