by lauryn | Aug 19, 2026 | Athletes, Region G, Sports, State Tournaments, UCS/Unified
When Katie and Michael Gerber joined S.O.A.R. (Special Opportunities Available in Recreation), the Bloomington-based Special Olympics Illinois agency, this year, they expected to enjoy some friendly competition and meet new people. What they found was much more than that.
The married couple, both special education teachers, captured gold medals with their Unified doubles partners at the Special Olympics Illinois State Tennis Tournament on August 16 at Evergreen Racquet Club in Bloomington. Despite weather-related disruptions that cancelled Saturday competition, doubles teams returned Sunday to compete for state medals.
Katie, a special education teacher at Normal Community High School, partnered with athlete Sam Carrillo to win first place in Unified Doubles Level 5 Division UD01. Michael, special education teacher at Leroy Elementary School, teamed up with athlete Bradley Meserole to take first place in Unified Doubles Level 5 Division UD02.
Though both are longtime educators, this was their first year participating in S.O.A.R.’s Unified Sports program.
“I just wanted to play tennis again,” Katie said. “I played in high school and hadn’t played in a while. This is so much fun.”
Katie first learned about S.O.A.R. through colleagues who had volunteered with the organization for years. After joining the Unified Sports program alongside her husband, Michael, the couple quickly found themselves welcomed into a community built on friendship, teamwork, and inclusion.
“The athletes and coaches and everybody are so fun,” Katie said. “We’ve made so many friends through S.O.A.R.”
For Michael, the opportunity combined two things he already loved: tennis and working with individuals with disabilities.
“I love tennis and I love this population of people,” he said. “I get to see how fun it is to watch them succeed. It just matched my interests perfectly.”
As first-year partners, both said Unified Sports has offered a new perspective on competition.
Katie said being paired with Sam has helped her focus less on winning and more on celebrating everyone’s success.
“I’ve learned to always look for the joy,” she said. “We’re not only going to celebrate ourselves, we’re going to celebrate other people. It’s helped me reflect more on sportsmanship in a way I maybe hadn’t thought about before.”
Michael echoed that sentiment.
athletes’ attitude, win, lose, or draw, is incredible. For the partners, there’s so much to gain from that.”
For both Gerbers, Unified Sports creates opportunities for meaningful connections between athletes and partners.
Katie believes the program helps expand the Special Olympics Illinois community by bringing together people who may not have otherwise become involved.
“It gives a great spot for people to feel included and feel seen,” she said. “It broadens the circle.”
That sense of inclusion has also extended to the Gerbers’ daughter, Charlotte, who has volunteered with several S.O.A.R. programs this year and developed friendships of her own.
For athlete Sam Carrillo, who has participated in S.O.A.R. for four years and competes in multiple sports, the experience is all about staying active and spending time with friends.
“My favorite thing about S.O.A.R. is doing cardio,” Sam said. Later he added, “I do have lots of friends that play in S.O.A.R.”
Bradley Meserole, who also participates in swimming, bowling, soccer and golf, was excited to return to state tennis after winning a medal last year.
Asked whether he was hoping for another medal this season, his answer was simple: “Yep.”
After one season in the Unified Sports program, both Katie and Michael say they would encourage others to get involved.
“Absolutely,” Katie said. “You get to move your body, meet new people and be part of something really special.”
Michael agreed.
“One hundred percent,” he said. “You get to learn from the athletes, see the joy they have in competing and be part of an incredible community.”
For two first-year Unified partners, the gold medals were certainly memorable. But the friendships, lessons, and sense of belonging they found through Unified Sports may be their biggest victory of all.
View results from the State Tennis Tournament. Learn about our Unified programming.
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 16, 2026 | Athletes, Families, Fundraising, LETR, Mission Focused, Sports, State Tournaments
By Randy Kindred
A voice from inside the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) tent shouted, “Whose birthday is it?”
A few feet away, a Kane County police officer in the LETR’s dunk tank replied, “It’s our birthday!”
A Special Olympics Illinois athlete hit the bullseye, sending the officer into the water. She was still fully drenched after emerging from the tank, but that did not deter an athlete from wrapping his arms around her in a hearty embrace.
Both came away smiling.
It was a brief moment Saturday in the Olympic Town area of the 2026 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games. Yet, it spoke volumes about the connection between the state’s law enforcement and Special Olympics Illinois communities.
The “birthday” was the 40th for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which has raised more than $70 million for Special Olympics Illinois.
“What we give does not even come close to equating what they give back,” LETR Director Bill Devine said of the Special Olympics Illinois athletes. “The friendships, the bonds, the hugs, the inspiration. And it goes beyond us as individuals. It goes to our families.”
Devine has seen it from all angles. His 20-year-old son, C.J., was born with Down syndrome and has participated in Special Olympics Illinois athletics, bowling, baseball, Unified cornhole … you name it.
“Pretty much the only month he has off is July,” Devine said.
Devine, a retired Tinley Park police officer, serves as a coach in the agency for which C.J. competes, South Suburban Special Rec. The family’s link to Special Olympics Illinois doesn’t end there.
“I have a daughter (Madison) who just graduated with her Masters (degree) as a speech language pathologist,” Devine said. “Her inspiration came from her association with Special Olympics, being around the athletes and watching them with their trials and the way they do things.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run presented Special Olympics Illinois a check for $5.9 million during Friday’s Opening Ceremony. It was the total raised in 2025, a number unfathomable when Illinois’ LETR was born in 1986.
Devine has been involved since 2000, when he began “as a local leg runner” before progressing to a state committee member and, in 2020, to state director.
“It’s a lot more than money,” he said of the fundraising efforts. “When we started, everything was centrally located. We did everything out of the university. Because of our growth, we had to expand the footprint. That’s exciting for me to see the amount of people we’re able to provide services to.
“We have a lot of young people coming up who are doing phenomenal work. The awareness factor is growing exponentially. We’re seeing it in the (fundraising) numbers and that’s leading to the numbers.”
State committee member Robbi Peterson, an investigator with the Illinois Attorney General’s office, called the totals “staggering,” as well as the $1 billion that has been raised worldwide by Law Enforcement Torch Run organizations.
Peterson first got involved during his time with the West Chicago Police Department and said the connection with LETR and Special Olympics has “changed my life so much.”
“It’s just become part of my everyday life,” he said. “I stay in touch with athletes not only at events like the Summer Games, but throughout the week, sending messages back and forth. I’ve really seen the impact of the work we’ve been able to do. You see how much it impacts families.”
Peterson was part of the Torch Run for the World Winter Games last year in Italy, as well as this spring for the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis.
His 17-year-old son, Jayden, is active in helping with LETR events. He shares the passion his father and other officers have for Special Olympics Illinois athletes and families.
“We all say we got in this job to help people,” Robbi Peterson said. “I couldn’t think of a better way of helping people than helping these people who are facing daily challenges of just being accepted. And there’s no reason they shouldn’t be accepted.
“It is about fundraising, but the biggest piece is the awareness and the inclusion and just getting the message out there that they’re no different than us. We all need opportunities. They need opportunities to be seen and we’re making sure they’re recognized and seen for who they are.”
That is the mission of Amy Williams, deputy chief in the Huntley Police Department. Williams has been involved with LETR for 22 years.
She seeks to advocate for the athletes, in part because of words she heard as a child.
“My dad always told me the world is so much bigger than me,” Williams said. “He said to go out and plant seeds and make a difference. As I started my career, what better opportunity than to be able to work with such an amazing organization and be inspired by amazing athletes with Special Olympics?
“The (fundraising) numbers continue to grow, but for me the importance over the money is ensuring that people see our athletes for more than their disabilities. It’s more about who they are and what they contribute to society.”
LETR conducts a variety of fundraising efforts in addition to the annual Torch Run. Some include corporate partnerships, among Cop on a Rooftop, in partnership with Dunkin’ as well as Plane Pulls supported by United Airlines.
Yet, a good portion of the LETR initiative is based in police departments and their communities.
That warms the heart of Diane Vanderkooy, a retired Illinois State Police officer who has been involved with LETR since 1990. She is a safety officer with the Chatham school district and serves as athletic director and a coach with the Chatham Chargers Special Olympics program.
She called the local fundraising “kind of a badge of honor.”
“We look at other programs and they have a lot of corporate input,” Vanderkooy said. “Ours is so grass roots. It’s boots on the ground and grinding and doing it. That fits my wheelhouse. That fits me, my character.
“The athletes and the families I’ve met on this journey is amazing. Once you embed yourself in there, there’s always somebody to talk to, to reach out to. It’s a partnership. It’s a family.”
Unified Cornhole a Hit
Unified cornhole made a successful Summer Games debut Friday inside Horton Fieldhouse. Among those delighted for the opportunity were 13-year-old Reed Castleman and his mother, Amanda Castleman.
The Virden residents were competing for Auburn Area Special Olympics.
“It was fun for Reed and I to be able to partner together,” Amanda said. “I’ve been watching him compete for six, seven years (in other sports), but I’ve never gotten to actually participate with him. It was really fantastic.”
The Castlemans gravitated to the sport because Reed is unable to sweat, meaning he “overheats easily,” said his father, Cory Castleman.
“Knowing it’s a new sport and realizing it’s going to be indoors, it’s a good opportunity for him to enjoy participating and not have to worry about the heat as much,” Cory said.
Reed also competes in Special Olympics Illinois basketball and bowling. The plan is to participate in Unified cornhole again next year.
“This was our first time ever playing,” Amanda said. “We don’t even have one at home.”
Unified cornhole featured 15-foot and 27-foot divisions. Among the 80 teams were six with participants from Morton College in Cicero.
Merrick Hill and two of his Morton College baseball teammates served as Unified partners. Hill teamed with Victor Alvarado in the 15-foot competition.
“They (Morton College officials) do a really good job of getting the word out and getting a lot of teams,” said Hill, who graduated from the community college in May. “Special Olympics is a great organization. It’s fun to be able to just do anything to help.”
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 8, 2026 | Athletes, Mission Focused, State Tournaments
Summer Games brings together athletes, families, coaches, and fans from across the state for a weekend that celebrates inclusion, ability, connection, and achievement. Hosted in Bloomington-Normal, this multi-day event goes beyond competition, offering opportunities to connect, recharge, and be part of something bigger. Here are just a few ways to make the most of your Summer Games experience.
Momentum Refresh
Stop by the Momentum Refresh vehicle located in the parking lot on the west side the ISU track near the bullpens. This universally designed, ADA-compliant mobile restroom and changing area brings an added level of accessibility and inclusivity for all participants, families, and fans.
Healthy Athletes
Athletes can take part in free screenings including dental, hearing, vision, and mobility checks on Friday and Saturday at CEFCU (Redbird) Arena. Plus, visit the Healthy Habits station for water refills and healthy living tips, located at the top of the Redbird Ramp.
Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg
Members of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run celebrate its 40th anniversary in Illinois by concluding the Final Leg of their intrastate relay, carrying the Flame of Hope to Opening Ceremony on Friday evening. Officers run from The Shoppes at College Hills to Hancock Stadium.
Opening Ceremony
This signature event features the Parade of Athletes, Athlete Oath, special guest speakers, live entertainment, and the lighting of the cauldron. The celebration takes place Friday evening at Hancock Stadium. Can’t make it in person? Watch the ceremony via live stream from the Summer Games website.
Young Athletes Statewide Culminating Event
Experience the joy of the Young Athletes program as children ages 2 to 7, with and without intellectual disabilities, participate in a series of obstacle based activities on Friday at Hancock Stadium. Preregistration is required.
Olympic Town
Held at ISU’s Turner Hall Parking Lot on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Olympic Town offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including carnival games, a Law Enforcement Torch Run dunk tank, athlete vendor fair, live entertainment, a dance party, and more. This free event is open to all.
Families
Special Olympics Illinois celebrates families throughout Summer Games with activities and resources available at multiple venues, including Horton Field House, Olympic Town, Grossinger Motors Arena, and Normal Community High School. Stop by for event information, Fan Zone fun, and more. Families can also attend the Family Tailgate Picnic on Friday evening. Preregistration is required for the picnic.
Victory Dance
Celebrate the weekend at the Victory Dance on Saturday evening from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM in Uptown Normal. Athletes can connect with friends, enjoy music, and take in the energy of Summer Games.
Summer Games offers something for everyone, whether you are competing, cheering from the stands, or spending time with family and friends. Explore the full schedule and event details on the Summer Games website, and stay connected throughout the weekend by signing up for updates by texting “summer” to 844-393-0980.
by Michelle Mayer | Apr 21, 2026 | State Tournaments, Statewide, Volunteers
For Tricia Brawley, volunteering with Special Olympics Illinois wasn’t just a one-time experience; it became a lifelong connection built on community, trust, and saying “yes” to new opportunities.
Tricia’s journey began in high school, thanks to a school counselor who encouraged her to become a student aide in a special education classroom. Her school was launching a new life skills program, and from the moment she stepped into the classroom, Tricia knew she had found something special.
“I was placed with an incredible teacher, and it was an experience that immediately impacted me,” Tricia shared. “I quickly formed strong connections with the students. They became my friends.”
Those early days were filled with meaningful moments like participating in the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, volunteering with a floor hockey team, and even attending Chicago Blackhawks games alongside the athletes. But what left the biggest impression wasn’t just the activities, it was the sense of belonging.
“From the very beginning, I felt like I was learning just as much from these students as I was supporting them,” she said. “The community was so welcoming, and I instantly wanted to continue being part of it.”
That spark followed Tricia beyond high school. Inspired by her experience as a peer volunteer, she pursued a degree in Special Education at Illinois State University. During her freshman year, another opportunity came full circle when a high school teacher, who was also a Special Olympics Illinois coach, helped connect her with Special Olympics Illinois as a student employee.
As a student employee, Tricia got a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring events to life.
“I had the opportunity to not only learn what goes into running events, but to actively be part of them,” she said. From regional competitions to state events and fundraisers, Tricia found herself organizing, supporting, and helping make events successful.
One event in particular became a turning point: the powerlifting competition at Summer Games.
“I spent a lot of time there,” Tricia said. “Through that, I got to know Dan Conley, who ran the regions near where I lived. I was so eager to continue volunteering, and I was incredibly lucky that Dan welcomed me into his group of key volunteers.”
That moment marked the beginning of Tricia’s expansion into long-term leadership with Special Olympics Illinois across Regions B and C and at the state level.
Over the years, Tricia’s roles have grown, but her reason for staying involved has always stayed the same.
“Without a doubt, it’s the people,” she said. “Being at Special Olympics events fills my cup in a way nothing else does.”
For Tricia, events aren’t just events; they’re reunions. She reconnects with friends from high school who are now competing, sees former students and their families, and works alongside dedicated volunteers, law enforcement, and staff who all share the same mission.
Eventually, Tricia became a key volunteer, primarily announcing awards across multiple sports, a role she truly loves.
“My time as a student employee opened the door to leadership opportunities, like running and announcing awards,” she shared. “Those weren’t roles I would have sought out on my own.”
She credits the encouragement and trust of Special Olympics Illinois staff, especially her supervisor, Verlinda, for helping her step into those responsibilities.
“I still remember being told by Verlinda that it was my responsibility to take on those roles,” Tricia said. “I’m so grateful she pushed me, because it led me to something I now absolutely love.”
“Getting to celebrate athletes and recognize their hard work is incredibly meaningful,” she continues. “Watching athletes support and cheer each other on is one of my favorite parts of every event.”
That trust, and the support that came with it, has shaped how Tricia continues to say “yes” to new opportunities and lead with confidence within the Special Olympics Illinois community.
“When Special Olympics Illinois asks you to step into something new, it’s because they believe in you,” she said. “There’s always support, and every role leaves you feeling proud, fulfilled, and grateful.”
As a volunteer leader, Tricia sees firsthand the impact volunteers have on athletes, families, and the broader community.
“Volunteers are absolutely essential to what makes Special Olympics Illinois so special,” she said. “These events simply wouldn’t run without them.”
But beyond logistics, volunteering builds relationships that last for years.
“I get to celebrate milestones with athletes and families year after year and stay connected to their journeys,” she said. “Volunteering creates a strong sense of community. It builds friendships with athletes, families, volunteers, and staff.”
During National Volunteer Month, Tricia’s message to anyone considering getting involved is clear…
“Do it! Do it! Do it!” she said. “Special Olympics Illinois has made my life so much fuller.”
With countless events, roles, and opportunities, Tricia believes there truly is a place for everyone.
“I’d love to say volunteering is just about giving back,” she said, “but the reality is, Special Olympics Illinois has given so much more to me than I could ever put into words.”
Her advice?
“Come check out an event. Cheer on the athletes. Experience it for yourself,” Tricia said. “You’ll make a difference in your community and in your own life, too.”
Learn more about how to find your place as a volunteer with Special Olympics Illinois.
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.
