by lauryn | Jul 15, 2026 | Mission Focused, Region E, Statewide, UCS/Unified
This month, Special Olympics Illinois is proud to highlight Nowal Shalash, a special education teacher, Unified coach, and member of the Education Leaders Network (ELN) whose passion for inclusion helps create meaningful opportunities for students every day.
Nowal first became involved with Special Olympics Illinois in 2023 in an unexpected way. While interviewing for her current teaching position at Victor J. Andrew High School, the assistant principal offered her the role of head coach for the school’s program. With a background in special education, she accepted the opportunity, and her Special Olympics journey quickly took off. As Nowal recalls, “Before I could even blink, we were being awarded a National Banner and representing Illinois in Washington, D.C. for Capitol Hill Day!”
Today, Nowal teaches in the life skills and self-contained program known as ULTIMA at Victor J. Andrew High School. In addition to coaching, she serves on the Education Leaders Network, where she works alongside fellow coaches, Special Olympics Illinois advocates, and staff to help advance Unified initiatives throughout the state.
A self-described “huge advocate for Unified sports programming,” Nowal is passionate about helping spread the word about Unified sports and supporting efforts that strengthen opportunities for athletes and partners. She values the opportunity to work with others who are dedicated to helping programs continue to grow and improve. Her favorite part of the ELN, she says, is “getting to be a learner throughout the process.” Although she is still relatively new to Special Olympics Illinois, she says the committee has been “so welcoming” and provides a space where she can “truly share, be myself, and learn from the other incredible members.”
While her focus is primarily on the ELN and her teams at Andrew High School, Nowal remains involved year-round through Unified sports seasons. She also proudly supports Andrew’s Unified pair who represent the school on the Unified Generation Committee.
When asked what inclusion means to her, Nowal said, “Inclusion means creating an environment where every individual is truly valued and celebrated.” She believes inclusion is “a focus on abilities, potential, community, and connection” and, through teaching and coaching, sees it as “a lived experience where everyone belongs.”
Through her work in the classroom, on the field, and through the Education Leaders Network, Nowal continues to help build more inclusive communities for students throughout Illinois.
Thank you, Nowal, for being the #SOILLDifference!
by Michelle Mayer | Jul 13, 2026 | Mission Focused
As I reflect on the past few months, it is the people behind the milestones and headlines that stay with me most. The athlete stepping onto the field, the volunteer arriving before sunrise, the law enforcement officer carrying the Flame of Hope, the staff member solving challenges behind the scenes, and the family member cheering from the stands. Those are the experiences that continue to remind me what makes Special Olympics Illinois so remarkable.
We began the quarter with exciting news from our friends at Jersey Mike’s. Thanks to the incredible support of communities across Illinois, the Month of Giving campaign was a tremendous success in helping send Team Illinois to the Special Olympics USA Games. To everyone who purchased a sandwich, encouraged friends and family to participate, or helped spread the word, thank you. Your generosity helped make an unforgettable experience possible for our athletes, coaches, and Unified partners.
The momentum continued through our Law Enforcement Torch Run community. We celebrated the news that Polar Plunge exceeded its fundraising goal, followed shortly by Cop on a Rooftop surpassing its goal as well. These accomplishments reflect the commitment of law enforcement officers and supporters across the state who continue to champion inclusion alongside our athletes.
That commitment was also on display when Illinois had the honor of hosting the kick off of the Final Leg for the Special Olympics USA Games. Seeing Board Member and athlete Alex Huegen and Debbie Henning of the Lockport Police Department helping lead the way was a powerful reminder of the partnerships that make our movement so strong.
One of the highlights of the season was Summer Games.
This year, more than 3,450 athletes and Unified partners, 1,250 coaches, 1,200 volunteers, and nearly 10,000 family members and friends traveled to Bloomington-Normal for one incredible weekend. More than 15,000 individuals came together to celebrate sport, determination, and community.
Throughout the weekend, we witnessed tremendous competition, personal best performances, and countless examples of sportsmanship. Athletes inspired us once again with their drive, focus, and perseverance.
I also want to recognize our staff. They are often the first to acknowledge others and the last to recognized. Yet they deserve tremendous credit for the success of Summer Games. Faced with unexpected absences and challenges, they remained adaptable, focused, and committed to ensuring athletes had an exceptional experience. Because of their efforts, we once again delivered a high-quality Games for our athletes.
What makes their work even more remarkable is that many of them immediately shifted from Summer Games responsibilities to supporting Team Illinois at the Special Olympics USA Games. Day in and day out, they walk alongside our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families to help create opportunities and experiences that leave a lasting impact.
There are some experiences that are difficult to put into words. Walking into the Opening Ceremony with Team Illinois at the Special Olympics USA Games was one of them.
Seeing delegation after delegation enter from across the nation was incredibly powerful. As the national anthem played and I looked around at athletes, coaches, families, and supporters representing every corner of our country, I found myself with a few tears rolling down my cheek.
Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver captured the spirit of the Games perfectly when he described them as “a celebration of the best of the American spirit at 250” and reminded all of us that “no one works harder than the athletes of Special Olympics.”
Throughout the week, I witnessed incredible performances, but one story continues to stay with me. Tina, one of our bocce athletes, visited Healthy Athletes and received her first pair of glasses. Something many of us might take for granted became a life-changing experience. With improved vision, she went on to earn a gold medal with her team and a bronze medal in individual competition. Her story is a powerful reminder that what happens through Special Olympics extends far beyond the field of play. Sometimes a small change can open the door to new confidence, new opportunities, and new possibilities.
As we enjoy the summer months, we are already looking ahead to a busy season. Before long, we will be gathering for the Chicago Ducky Derby and our state tournaments in golf, softball, and tennis, along with many more opportunities to celebrate our athletes and the communities that support them.
It is truly a privilege to be part of the Special Olympics Illinois family. That family includes every athlete, coach, volunteer, staff member, donor, partner, law enforcement officer, family member, and supporter reading this newsletter. Thank you for helping create opportunities, experiences, and memories that will stay with our athletes long after the competitions end. Together, we continue to build a more inclusive Illinois.
Pete Beale-DelVecchio
President & CEO
Special Olympics Illinois
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 29, 2026 | Athletes, Mission Focused, Sports, Statewide, Uncategorized, USA Games
From June 20 to 26, Team Illinois competed on the national stage at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, joining athletes from across the country for a week defined by competition, connection, and shared pride.
Representing communities across the state, Team Illinois brought together 57 athletes and Unified partners, along with 16 coaches and seven support staff members. Competition took place for Team Illinois across eight sports, representing a range of individual and team opportunities on the national stage.
From the moment the delegation arrived on campus to the final celebration at Closing Ceremony, the week reflected what it means to compete, grow, and represent Illinois on a national stage.
Settling In and Stepping Up
After arriving in Minnesota, athletes quickly returned to their routines as practices began and competition drew near.
“The water’s cold, but it is what it is, I’m just here to compete and have fun,” said swimmer Drew Kirkman.
That mindset carried across the delegation, combining focus with excitement for the opportunity ahead.
Early in the week, Unified volleyball also set the tone for what Team Illinois would represent. During early competition, Coach Julie Smith shared that the team received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
The group was described as a model of inclusion and Unified sport, with strong relationships between athletes and partners and a level of teamwork that stood out on the national stage.
For many athletes, simply reaching this stage was a powerful moment.
“You know … when I was born I wasn’t even supposed to walk or talk and here I am at USA Games,” said Unified volleyball athlete Travis Brady.
A Week of Competition, Medals, and Personal Bests
As competition began, Team Illinois delivered across every sport.
The gymnastics team opened the week with strong all-around performances, setting the tone for what followed. Athletes across sports built on that momentum, contributing to a growing list of award performances throughout the week.
Bowling also made a major impact, highlighted by Jordan Derossett, who recorded a 668 series, averaging 229, during singles competition, the highest singles series across all competitors, male and female.
Across the week, athletes reached the podium while others delivered strong finishes, contributing to Team Illinois’ presence in every venue.
Equally important were the personal milestones. Throughout the Games, athletes across sports achieved multiple personal records, reflecting both their preparation and the energy of competing at a national level, including at least seven personal records realized on a single day of competition.
“I just can’t stop looking at this, I’m going to treasure it forever,” said swimmer Christine Leverenz, reflecting on her gold medal performance.
Moments That Defined the Experience
Beyond competition, the week included experiences that extended well beyond the field of play.
Athletes connected with national media outlets, sharing their stories with a broader audience. Others had the opportunity to meet and interact with high profile figures, including Olympic champion Suni Lee.
“I love her, this has honestly been the best, this is my highlight,” said gymnast Katie O’Neill, after receiving her medal from Lee.
Through the Healthy Athletes program, Team Illinois participants also accessed important health services. At least one athlete received hearing aids and five athletes received vision care, including glasses and bifocals.
These services represent lasting impact that continues beyond the week of competition.
Defining Team Illinois Through Performance and Teamwork
As the week progressed, Team Illinois built momentum not only through results, but through teamwork and resilience.
The bocce team delivered a strong performance in team competition to earn gold, highlighting coordination and consistency across the lineup.
In bowling, the men’s team produced one of the most dramatic moments of the week, overcoming a 64-pin deficit to secure gold by just three pins.
Unified team sports also played a major role in the delegation’s success, with both basketball and volleyball earning silver medals in their divisions.
Individually and collectively, athletes continued to push themselves and compete with confidence.
“I am the ultimate girl boss,” said powerlifter Sheridan Coleman during warmups, reflecting the mindset she brought to the platform. She went on to earn three gold medals and a bronze.
Recognition for sportsmanship and leadership also reinforced the team’s impact. Unified partner Arik Sorensen was awarded the Spirit of Unified Sports Award, honoring his commitment to inclusion and teamwork.
A Week That Extended Beyond Competition
As events wrapped up, athletes had the opportunity to step into a new role, supporting their teammates.
Those who had completed their competitions spent time attending other events, cheering on fellow athletes, and experiencing sports they had not yet seen.
For Youth Leadership Experience athlete Ethan Jimenez, the week was about fully taking in every moment.
“I am so happy to be a part of this,” he said.
His mentor, Katie McFadden, reflected on a week where Ethan attended competitions across venues, built connections, and embraced the full experience, forming new friendships and learning from others.
Closing with Pride
As the Closing Ceremony brought the Games to an end, Team Illinois left Minnesota with more than results.
Athletes across the delegation reached the podium, set personal records, and delivered strong performances in every sport. They also built connections, gained confidence, and represented their communities with pride.
From the first day on campus to the final celebration, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games reflected the strength of Team Illinois, not only in competition, but in the way athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and staff came together to represent something larger than themselves.
Learn more about Team Illinois, including bios, results, photos, and more.
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 24, 2026 | Mission Focused, Organizational Impact, UCS/Unified, USA Games
By Lily Goodfellow
I had the chance to interview the President & CEO of Special Olympics, David Evangelista, at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to David, Unified sports are the future.
“I want the world to wake up and realize that for close to six decades they missed what is the biggest opportunity for us to heal ourselves, which is simply to play Unified. That’s my goal for countries around the world … This is a world of no judgement. This is a world of just play.”
I was able to see the spirit of inclusion while watching the Team Illinois Unified basketball and volleyball teams compete at the Games.
Special Olympics Unified Sports is a program that pairs athletes with intellectual disabilities with partners who do not have an intellectual disability on the same team to compete together. Arik Sorenson is a Unified partner on Team Illinois volleyball. “Unified means everything. Seeing these athletes succeed and get out there, game after game, and practice after practice, it’s awesome.”
Becca Gehle is a Special Olympics Illinois athlete who participates in both Unified and traditional Special Olympics sports. She loves playing Unified because “it’s not just about the athletes. We’re all working together.”
Team Illinois basketball players agree. Athlete Osaze Ikponmwosa says, “It’s about respecting others.”
It was awesome to watch the teams compete, but even more fun to see how much they enjoy playing together and how much they have bonded as teammates. Unified sports give athletes and peers the opportunity to do something they both love and learn from each other.
Family members of both athletes and partners came to Minnesota to support the teams. Barb Alexander’s son, Grayden, is a partner on Team Illinois Unified basketball. She says that for Grayden, being a Unified partner has been one of the best experiences of his high school career. “He has grown and experienced so many amazing things, met so many people, gotten to play a sport that he loves. Just being so inclusive with everyone, he’s learned and grown so much from it.”
Every athlete and partner I talked to said the same thing, how excited they were to be on the team and how much it means to them.
Taylor Sweeting is a Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader and is serving as the team manager for the Unified volleyball team at the games. “It’s not just about winning the medals. It’s about being good teammates and athletes, and sportsmanship.”
Sportsmanship is about treating others with kindness and respect, even if you aren’t winning. Team Illinois Unified volleyball coach, Julie Smith, helps her players handle the pressure of competing at this level by encouraging them to enjoy every moment.
“We try to make it light and have fun because our team likes to have fun together.”
The players and coaches agree that having fun is the most important part of playing Unified. “My favorite part is playing with my friends and having fun with them always,” said Marium Wahid, an athlete on the volleyball team.
David Evangelista thinks it’s more than that. He believes everyone is looking for the same thing, they just don’t know it. “They are looking to be accepted. They are looking to be loved. They are looking to be part of something bigger than themselves. They are looking to be around people who won’t judge them. They are looking around for people who will help them become better. That’s all right here in Special Olympics.”
As the Team Illinois basketball team won an incredible game against Washington on Tuesday, via double overtime, it was easy to see all of those things. But it was even greater to see them from the volleyball team after a tough loss.
Arik Sorenson said it best. Despite any score, “Unified means inclusion. It means going out there and having fun. We’re Team Illinois – we are fun!”
Follow along with all the Team Illinois sports as they compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. And, learn more about Special Olympics Illinois Unified sports and how to get involved.
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 22, 2026 | Athletes, Mission Focused, USA Games
The Delegation Prepares to Compete While Making New Friends and Enjoying the Opening Ceremonies
By Lily Goodfellow
The Illinois delegation arrived in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday, June 19 for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Everyone agreed that they were excited, especially Tina Mango, who is competing in bocce. “I am very excited. I can’t wait to have fun and try my best.”
Matthew Friedman is also happy and excited. “I was nervous when I first found out, but it’s a big honor because not everyone gets this honor. It’s special.” He is representing Team Illinois in athletics, running the 400 meter run, the 4×4 relay, and the 3,000 meter run.
All of the athletes had time to get settled in the dorms and learn their way around the University of Minnesota campus and the different venues where they will compete this week. And everyone had the opportunity to go to Huntington Bank Stadium on Saturday evening, June 20, for the Opening Ceremony.
It was amazing to see all the athletes from each state parade into stadium, especially to see the different uniforms each delegation was wearing. My favorites were the hockey-type jerseys on Team Nebraska and the colors of Team Northern California that looked like the sunset we all saw at the end of the ceremony.
Demi Lovato sang inspirational songs that both Christy Sovereign, Chief Executive Officer for the 2026 Games, and Tim Shriver, Chairman, Special Olympics Board of Directors, tied to their speeches, because there is “nothing wrong with being confident,” and all Special Olympics athletes are “skyscrapers.”
There was also a cultural program with amazing singers and dancers, and Jon Batiste performed at the end, causing the athletes from many states to form a conga line and dance around the stadium floor.
The entire event was awesome! It was so fun to see the athletes from all over the country dancing together and, as Tim Shriver said, these athletes are “the best of the USA.”
Scott Maess, who competes in bowling for Team Illinois, said his favorite part of the Opening Ceremony was parading in to the stadium, “because it’s huge and I never got to do it at this level before.” Unified Volleyball team member David Mathews-Dedmond added, “Obviously, my favorite part was Demi Lovato.”
Now that the oaths have been said by the officials, coaches, and athletes, the Flame of Hope (all the way from Illinois) has lit the cauldron, and the games have officially been declared open, it’s time for the athletes to compete.
The excitement is still there, but there are also nerves. Anthony Boyce from Team Illinois Unified basketball is feeling “really nervous, because this is going to be live – in front of a lot of people. But I’m really excited, too. I’m going to be pumped when I walk on that court.”
Follow along with all the Team Illinois sports as they compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games at soill.org/usa-games.
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.”
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