by lauryn | Mar 19, 2026 | Athletes, Mission Focused, Organizational Impact, Region D, Region H, Sports, State Tournaments, UCS/Unified, Volunteers
By Randy Kindred and Lily Goodfellow
Tom White won more than 400 games in 26 seasons as Chicago De La Salle Institute’s boys head basketball coach. There were a lot of highs in a career that earned him induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Yet, White will tell you there were some “hard years” in which “people are transferring on you and there are things you don’t see.”
White coaches the game in a different environment these days, and it’s given him something new, special. His De La Salle/Southside team fell a bit short in its quest for a fourth straight IHSA Unified State Basketball Division 2 championship, but that was OK. White and his players had a third-place trophy Saturday and, more importantly, each other.
“In some of my years as a boys varsity coach … I don’t know if I was told too much that they loved me,” White said. “In this, they tell you they love you. They want to hug you. I think it’s a human need a little bit. It’s good to be appreciated like that instead of criticized.”
The weekend also featured the Special Olympics Illinois State Basketball Tournament in Bloomington-Normal. Among those at Illinois State’s Horton Field House was Mitzi Vasconcelles, a retired Springfield police officer who has volunteered at Special Olympics Illinois events for decades.
On the Court With Southside Unified
Southside defeated East St. Louis, 67-46, in the third-place game at the University of Illinois’ Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) in Champaign. That came after a 49-40 semifinal loss to Bradley Bourbonnais the previous day. Bradley Bourbonnais took second place Saturday behind champion Chicago Vaughn Occupational High School & St. Patrick High School.
This was White’s fourth year coaching Southside Unified, and while another state title was not to be, “It’s pretty darn good to be here,” he said.
“You get your school, the non-special needs kids, and every year you get different kids,” White said. “This year, our soccer team was state champs. Most of these kids who are De La Salle students (on Southside Unified) are soccer players. It makes a difference.
“It (Unified) is a cool thing. I think it’s something that high school kids need in order to appreciate who they are, what they are.”
Brandon Dorsey was part of Southside’s three-year championship run. An athlete with Special Olympics Illinois, he was a player for two years and a student assistant coach for one.
Dorsey and White were featured in an inspirational video at last year’s Special Olympics Illinois Champions Ball. Dorsey now attends Richard Daley Community College in Chicago and has a job at Jewel-Osco, but his impact on the team is still being felt, White said.
“He was just the nicest kid, played hard,” said White, who is in his 31st year as De La Salle’s athletic director. “He’s like my kid a little bit. He would be the glue behind the team. He just said the right things. His disabilities were not anything of what his heart was and his head was. He saw things and understood things.
“Awesome kid, and he still has remnants in this program. He would say NWG .. Now We Go! Then everybody would start dancing and stuff.”
Dorsey said he joined a teammate to create “hype” for Southside through music.
“My teammate is a rapper and I am a music producer, so we’d create a rap song to get the team hyped up before our game started,” he said.
Dorsey believes he is still reaping the benefits of being with Southside Unified.
“Now that I’m in college, I feel like I carry that with me,” he said. “It’s for like, ‘work as a team, do your part.’ I deal with that with work and with school, so whatever I’m doing that does not involve basketball, I feel like I’m still in it because you’re working as a group.”
Learn more and view results from the 2026 IHSA Unified State Basketball Tournament.
The Heart Behind the Medals
Vasconcelles is a Region H volunteer who got involved in Special Olympics Illinois long before she retired from the Springfield Police Department in 2002.
Her first event was the Spring Games in Springfield and she was one of only five volunteers, something she said “is unheard of today.”
Vasconcelles was among those handing out awards and medals at the State Basketball Tournament. At the Summer Games tournament, she works on the track.
She said she enjoys both roles, as well as regional and local events. Earlier this month, she volunteered at the Springfield area’s Polar Plunge, which raised more than $130,000 for Special Olympics Illinois. Asked if she participates in the Polar Plunge, she said, “I do not. As I tell people, I am the last sane person they see before they go in the water.”
Among her favorite aspects of volunteering is seeing the joy of the athletes when they receive their medals.
“Oh, they’re so exuberant. They’re so proud of themselves,” Vasconcelles said. “It’s been a long weekend for some, you know. And this is the culmination of all their hard work. That’s what’s special. And what’s really fun is no matter how they place, they’re excited.
“I mean, I like to say it’s true athletic competition. Everybody is pulling for everybody. And if you watch the games, if somebody falls down, somebody’s there to help them up. I mean, it’s wonderful.”
Vasconcelles said she has come to know numerous coaches and families as a Special Olympics Illinois volunteer, including many from Chatham. She has a treasure trove of fond memories as a volunteer, too many to choose a favorite, she said.
Asked for a word to describe herself, she replied, “Humble, I guess. Humble to be around all these wonderful athletes.”
Learn more and view results from the 2026 State Basketball Tournament.
by lauryn | Feb 13, 2026 | Athletes, Families, Mission Focused, Region D, Region F, Sports, State Tournaments
Athletes, families, and supporters filled Chestnut Mountain Resort on the second day of the 2026 Winter Games, where athletes moved between award ceremonies and the next round of competition. bringing excitement, and plenty of smiles, to one of Special Olympics Illinois’ most anticipated state tournaments of the year.
Among them was first-time athlete Kelial Crooks, who had just earned his first Winter Games medal. “I’m feeling pretty good,” Kelial said, holding tight to the slalom medal that marked a milestone moment in his young alpine skiing career.
Kelial, an athlete from Region F, previously competed at his local regionals, but stepping into the statewide event felt different. The mountain was busier, the cheers were louder, and the stakes were higher. And he noted how it felt to arrive at Winter Games.
“Exciting — and a little bit nervous,” he shared.
What stood out most to him wasn’t the run itself. It was the people. “Being surrounded by people and family and friends,” he said. “Happy.”
Kelial credits his coach for helping him get to this point. “I would like to thank my coach, Tom, who helped me a lot with skiing,” he said. That mix of teamwork and trust, seen across every corner of Winter Games, is part of what makes these days so meaningful.
From the Mountain to the Snowshoe Course
At Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, Region D athlete Diego Villarreal was also celebrating a strong performance after medaling in the 50‑meter snowshoe race.
“I feel awesome,” he said, describing what it meant to compete with his team from Marquette Park.
For Diego, being part of a team is at the heart of his Special Olympics Illinois experience. “Having fun with my friends,” he said. “That’s my favorite part.”
He also takes that role seriously. When asked whether he feels like a leader on his team, he didn’t hesitate. “Yes.” And his approach to leadership is simple: be the one who brings energy.
“I was high-fiving them,” he said with a grin. “Yeah, it gets them hyped up.”
He explained why those moments matter. “If they’re having [a] down time, I try to make them right.” Diego prepared for Winter Games with stretching, drills, and regular practice across several sports. But his message to future athletes was straightforward: “Have fun. If you’re scared, take some deep breaths.”
That steady presence is something his mother, Joanne Rodriguez, has watched grow over the years.
“He started competing when he was eight, and it’s been a whole life experience,” she said.
Before joining Special Olympics Illinois, Diego often struggled to find spaces where he felt included. “They never let him play,” she said. “He would come home sad.”
Finding Special Olympics Illinois changed everything.
“He just fits right in,” she said. “I love watching him compete. It’s amazing to see what he’s accomplished.”
Joanne has watched him step into leadership naturally. “He likes to pump up his teammates,” she said. “He gets nervous, but once he’s with them, the nerves go away. They just pump each other up.”
This year marks the family’s second Winter Games, and the memories already stand out, from last year’s joke about snowshoeing “not in snow” that was followed by an overnight snowfall, to this year’s breakthrough moment when Diego won his division.
“Seeing him so proud makes me happy,” Joanne said.
For her, the growth she sees in Diego extends well beyond the finish line. “Leadership has made him more talkative,” she said. “He’s able to do speeches. I’m shy about speeches, and to see him do something that’s so hard for me, I love him for that.”
When asked what she’d tell another parent considering Special Olympics Illinois, her answer was clear: “It’s a joy. You’ll see your child blossom.”
The 2026 Winter Games concluded in Galena with the moments that matter most at Special Olympics Illinois: athletes pushing toward new goals, teammates supporting one another, and families celebrating every achievement. View Winter Games photos and results.
by lauryn | Dec 9, 2025 | Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Region D, Uncategorized, Volunteers
For more than three decades, Dr. Ricardo Y. Mendoza, DDS, MS, FICD has been a driving force behind Special Olympics health programming. His journey began at Boston University, where he trained under Dr. Steve Perlman, founder of Special Smiles. “I had an amazing mentor, Dr. Steve Perlman, who happened to be the founder of Special Smiles,” Dr. Mendoza recalls. “Secondly, I have family members with special needs back in Venezuela, so I totally understood the challenges this population has. Easily, the passion towards helping this population grew inside of me.”
That passion has carried him through 30 years of service, where he’s seen how health programming changes lives. “The Special Smiles program is a fun event where athletes are competing, getting awards for their efforts, and receiving dental exams in a fun environment,” he explains. “With puppets, stickers, big models, and volunteers showing tender care, it gets easy for athletes to understand the importance of improving their oral health. And we get the caretakers and chaperones involved too.”
The impact of Special Smiles goes far beyond education. Dr. Mendoza recalls one powerful moment with an athlete whose family had just arrived from Mexico. “The parents didn’t know about any resources on how to even go about the care for this child, and we found social workers to help out,” he shares. Stories like this highlight how health programming connects families to critical support they might not otherwise find.
Over the years, Dr. Mendoza has seen many smiles restored through urgent care. “On occasions when we identify urgent dental needs and we are able to channel this through grants to cover the entire oral rehabilitation … that kind of capability is without any doubt one of the many reasons I am so proud of our program.” These interventions not only improve health but also transform lives.
Families, he emphasizes, are central to this work. “It’s very important to understand that we can help these individuals, that there are resources and dental tools available.” By equipping caregivers with knowledge and tools, Special Smiles ensures athletes have lasting support at home as well as on the field.
At the heart of it all is inclusion. “Inclusion means everything,” Dr. Mendoza says. “All individuals are to be treated equally and opportunities have to be equitable in our society. Special Olympics Illinois is a perfect example of how inclusion within our beautiful diversity of individuals can work in harmony.”
Dr. Mendoza’s story is a reminder of the incredible impact of our health programming. From screenings that restore confidence to Healthy Habits stations that empower athletes with lifelong skills, Special Olympics Illinois health initiatives are more than care, they’re a celebration of dignity, inclusion, and the joy of a healthy life. Thank you to Dr. Mendoza and all volunteers who make a difference!
Learn more about Special Olympics Illinois’ health programming.
by Kira Ryan | Mar 4, 2025 | Athletes, DEIB, Mission Focused, Region D, Sports, Uncategorized
At Special Olympics Illinois, we honor the achievements and impact of athletes who pave the way for future generations. One such athlete is Carter Sanders, whose journey embodies perseverance, passion, and leadership. Since joining Special Olympics Illinois in 1998, Carter has embraced competition while fostering inclusion, friendship, and community organization-wide.
Carter recognizes the importance of representation in sports and the impact of those who have come before him. Reflecting on Black History Month, he acknowledges the trailblazers who have created opportunities for athletes like him to pursue their dreams. Inspired by individuals such as Barack Obama and Martin Luther King, Jr., Carter is forging his own legacy by proving that determination and inclusion can make a lasting impact.
A Lifelong Commitment to Special Olympics Illinois
Carter’s journey with Special Olympics Illinois began more than two decades ago, and his passion for the organization has only grown. Today, as an athlete with the Marquette Mustangs in Chicago, Carter competes in an impressive array of sports, including swimming, track and field, bocce, skiing, snowshoeing, golf, bowling, tennis, powerlifting, and team sports.
Throughout his years with Special Olympics Illinois, Carter has found a supportive community that encourages him to challenge himself and strive for excellence. He recalls how certain people he has met along the way made him feel welcome and part of the team, describing moments where he thought, “Did we just become best friends?”
Breaking Barriers Beyond Illinois
For Carter, Special Olympics Illinois is more than just competing — it’s about connecting with people from different backgrounds and experiences. Through virtual programming, he has expanded his reach beyond Illinois, participating in activities across multiple states. “I got introduced to Special Olympics Zoom activities through a fellow athlete whom I met at a Special Olympics Illinois virtual exercise class. This led to me participating in those activities on a regular basis, ranging from exercising, playing Bingo, informational classes on safety and healthy eating, social hour, and Saturday night dance parties.”
These experiences have reinforced his belief in inclusion and representation in sports. Special Olympics Illinois has provided him with opportunities to meet athletes from different regions, learn from them, and grow as both a competitor and a leader.
Chasing Dreams and Making an Impact
Carter’s aspirations extend beyond local and state competitions — he has his sights set on qualifying for the Special Olympics USA Games. “In local competitions, I have competed against athletes and teams from different agencies, and in state competitions, I have competed against the best not only in Chicago but throughout the entire state of Illinois. When I finally get the chance to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games, I’ll get to compete against those representing other states.”
His leadership doesn’t stop at athletics. As a member of the Special Olympics Illinois Gratitude Team, Carter gives back by connecting with donors to thank them for their support. “Although I’m pretty new to the Special Olympics Illinois Gratitude Team, I enjoy reaching out to Special Olympics Illinois donors via phone, email, letter, or video message thanking them for their support and contribution.”
Kaitlyn, Special Olympics Illinois Assistant Director of Donor Relations and fellow Gratitude Team member, shares, “Carter is an exceptional leader in our gratitude efforts. He is always the first to volunteer for a new project or offer insight and new ideas in meetings. Carter’s enthusiastic attitude motivates his peers and other leaders to make the most of every opportunity presented to them.”
Looking ahead, Carter hopes to continue creating meaningful change as an advocate for health and inclusion. “I aspire to be a Health Messenger and possibly a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger.” These roles within Special Olympics Illinois focus on advocacy and community outreach, something Carter is passionate about.
A Legacy of Excellence and Representation
Carter’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that diversity strengthens our community and fuels progress in sports and beyond. As Special Olympics Illinois continues to celebrate inclusion, Carter’s story stands as a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of perseverance.
His hope is that his own journey will inspire others to believe in themselves, embrace inclusion, and never give up. Learn more about Special Olympics Illinois’ diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts.
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.
