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 lauryn | Mar 24, 2025 | Athletes, Mission Focused, Sports, Uncategorized
Our Illinois delegates have returned home from the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, and what an unforgettable journey it’s been. See official Special Olympics USA team highlights below.
They gave their all on the world stage, competing alongside athletes from across the globe, representing Illinois and Special Olympics USA with heart, determination, and bravery.
Reflecting on her experience, Mallory shared, “I was so proud to compete against the fastest Special Olympics athletes from around the world and earn a bronze medal and a fourth place ribbon. It showed me why all my training mattered — and that I can do anything if I work hard enough. The best part was sharing this experience with my Special Olympics USA teammates, making lifelong friends, and having my family there to cheer me on.”
Special Olympics Illinois President & CEO Pete Beale-DelVecchio, who was in Turin alongside our Board Chair Kathy Schniedwind, shared, “These athletes have made Illinois proud with their dedication and hard work. Their perseverance and success in Turin embody the spirit of Special Olympics Illinois, and we celebrate their incredible achievements in this experience of a lifetime!”
by lauryn | Mar 12, 2025 | Athletes, Families, Mission Focused, Region K, Sports, State Tournaments, Uncategorized
By Randy Kindred
Eric Baumann lives in the small southern Illinois town of Vienna, which he described this way: “It is 1,400 people or less. It has one stoplight, and the stoplight isn’t really a stoplight. It’s a blinking light.”
That said, Eric and his mother, Kathy Baumann, eagerly shine a light on Special Olympics throughout Illinois. They attend Special Olympics Illinois tournaments and events to provide information to families, answer questions and promote family engagement.
Saturday, they were behind the Families table at Normal Community High School as part of the Special Olympics Illinois State Basketball Tournament.
Eric Baumann, 41, has competed with Special Olympics Illinois since fourth grade. His mother was introduced to the organization at that time and soon grew to love it. She and her son have covered a lot of miles to share its benefits with families new to Special Olympics Illinois.
“Have wheels, will travel,” said Kathy Baumann, who also lives in Vienna. “Special Olympics Illinois Families have some new things on the horizon that they’re trying to do. Some of the outreach is that when new people come in, they have a partner and an established family member who can mentor them through the process. It is a learning process.”
She is quick to tell newcomers how Special Olympics Illinois “have made a tremendous difference in my life and in the life of my child.”
Eric Baumann still competes in “six or seven sports,” his mother said. He lives independently in Vienna and has a job in Carbondale, which is about a 45-minute drive. Eric drives himself to a federal building there and performs custodial work.
In Special Olympics Illinois, he is part of the Athlete Leadership team.
“Physically, he still competes, and that’s a wonderful thing,” Kathy Baumann said. “Leadership wise, he’s been given opportunities to speak, serve on the board of directors, serve on different committees. It’s opened doors for him to be a part of something much bigger than just competition.”
Through the Families network, the Baumanns encourage family members of Special Olympics Illinois athletes to get involved as volunteers, coaches and/or Unified partners. They discuss how important their engagement can be in enhancing the experience of the athletes.
It all means a great deal to Eric Baumann.
“I feel like helping others is my reward and just seeing them succeed is the best part,” he said. “And seeing the athletes grow. It brings joy and camaraderie. You see it all.”
Eric Baumann competes for the Big Muddy Crew, an agency headed by his mother.
“There are about 20 of us. We’re small but mighty,” Kathy said. “He (Eric) has been to Ireland, so I’ve traveled to Ireland. We’ve been to Nebraska, to Louisiana, to Florida, for the Illinois team and delegation and for my team. There are many, many doors if you choose to go through them.
“I think most families will tell you it’s the impact it (Special Olympics Illinois) has made on their child’s life. As a parent of a child with a disability, sometimes you try to even the playing field for them. Here, it’s an equal playing field.”
And, she said, the families network is eager to help.
“Somebody new coming in can reach out to me in southern Illinois and say, ‘Hey, I’d like to know about Special Olympics. What does it entail?’” she said. “I could go to the first practice with them and say here’s what you can expect. It’s really just helping them through that initial, ‘What have I walked into?’ ”
Learn more about the Special Olympics Illinois Families network.
Exciting Debut
The Belvidere BucThunder made its state tournament debut Saturday. The senior division team includes special needs athletes from Belvidere’s two high schools: Belvidere High and Belvidere North.
The BucThunder’s opening game came down to the final second. Belvidere took a 40-38 lead on a basket with 15 seconds left, then saw a shot by the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) Wildcats bounce off the rim as the buzzer sounded.
“It was very stressful. But they held on and they did amazing,” said BucThunder coach Cori Wesselhoff. “They just show so much excitement and they’re so proud of themselves. They’ve worked very hard to get here.”
Afterward, the teams and the game officials posed for a group photo. Everyone smiled.
True “Winning”
The Weston Bridges Warriors out of Aurora hung on for a 35-32 semifinal win over the Winchester Area Special Olympics AlleyKatz. There was a sigh of relief for the Warriors’ Cameron Fawver, first-year head coach of the senior division team after two as an assistant.
Yet, for Fawver, “winning” is not tied to the final score of a game. It came earlier this season when the parent of a player shared what being on his team has meant.
“They said, ‘My child has had such a hard time making friends and building a community. This basketball team brings that community to their doorstop,’” Fawver said.
“Maybe they’re a little shy or something. This allows them to break out of that comfort zone and meet a whole bunch of people who are in the same boat as them and just want to have a good time.”
Fawver also has benefited.
“No matter what my day is like before I get here, everything stops at those gym doors and all I can focus on is: Is everyone having fun and are we trying our hardest?” he said. “I can stop worrying about my problems for a little bit and just focus on basketball, which I love to do.”
Click to view results and photos from the 2025 State Basketball Tournament.
by lauryn | Mar 11, 2025 | Mission Focused, Organizational Impact, Statewide, Uncategorized
As we begin 2025, I’m energized by the opportunities ahead for Special Olympics Illinois and the impact we will continue to make together. This year is not just about what we accomplish in the moment—it’s about building a foundation that will drive lasting change. Through our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, we are focused on creating sustainable systems, strengthening our impact, and positioning Special Olympics Illinois for long-term growth and inclusion. What we achieve now will set the stage for the future—and we look forward to sharing more in the months ahead.
One of the highlights of this year is the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. I am honored to support our Illinois athletes and coach as they compete on the world stage and to witness, for the first time, the global power of the Special Olympics movement. Our athletes have trained tirelessly to reach this level, and I know they will inspire us all with their determination, skill, and sportsmanship. Their participation is a testament to the strength of our programming and the support of our dedicated coaches, families, and volunteers.
In addition to celebrating our athletes’ achievements, we are also focused on strengthening our organization. A key step in that process is welcoming Bridget Byville as our new Chief Development Officer. Bridget brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and donor engagement, and I am confident that her leadership will help us build strong partnerships and increase the resources needed to expand our impact. Her expertise will be instrumental as we work to grow our programs and enhance opportunities for athletes across the state.
As we embark on this foundational year of our strategic plan, I want to thank you—our athletes, families, volunteers, partners, and supporters—for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Together, we are creating a more inclusive world, one opportunity at a time. I look forward to the progress we will make this year and to sharing our successes with you along the way.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Pete Beale-DelVecchio
President & CEO, Special Olympics Illinois
by Kira Ryan | Mar 10, 2025 | Athletes, Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Organizational Impact, UCS/Unified, Uncategorized
Special Olympics Illinois had an impactful two days at Special Olympics Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., advocating for inclusion in health, education, and sports. Nearly 300 athletes, Unified partners, staff, and volunteers from around the country participated in more than 300 meetings with members of Congress, sharing how our organization changes lives and the importance of continued support.
Our Illinois delegates shared powerful stories during the trip. Montrell, Special Olympics Illinois athlete, said, “Transferring into the Unified program made me feel important and welcomed into the school community.” His Unified partner, Scott, added, “In our Unified program, we gain friendships for life. I know I can call on Montrell for anything, and he can do the same for me.” Athlete Leader and Health Messenger Taylor highlighted, “The Special Olympics Illinois Health Messenger program has empowered both mine and my son’s independence by equipping us with the tools of better health practices, nutrition, and an overall healthier lifestyle.”
We are grateful to the legislators who took the time to meet with us, including Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, Senator Richard Durbin, Congressman Danny Davis, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congressman Eric Sorensen, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, Congressman Mike Quigley, and Congressman Sean Casten. We also appreciate the offices of Congressman Chuy Garcia, Office of Rep. Lauren Underwood, Congressman Bill Foster, Congressman Brad Schneider, and Congressman Darin LaHood for their time and support.
A special thank you to Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver and CEO Mary Davis for joining us in meetings and reinforcing the importance of our mission.
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.
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