by lauryn | Sep 15, 2026 | Athletes, Mission Focused, Region H, Region I, Sports, State Tournaments
Volunteer Christy Beenenga Travels Long Path to Special Olympics Illinois; Decatur’s Brian Dalluge on Home Turf for State Golf Tournament
By Randy Kindred
Benjie Holmes is a coach, athletic director, board member, secretary/treasurer and active fundraiser for the Beardstown Area Special Athletes (BASA) program. It qualifies as a labor of love, and is driven by the memory of someone he loved.
Hunter Holmes, one of Benjie and Sandy Holmes’ three sons, died in 2018. He was 19.
“He had Asperger’s, a form of autism,” his father said. “He took his own life. I needed to do something in honor of him. That’s why I do what I do.”
Holmes began coaching the BASA Black Attack softball team in 2019. He has built a highly successful program that won a gold medal last year at the North American Softball Tournament in Oklahoma.
After playing Saturday and Sunday, the Black Attack earned a silver medal at the Special Olympics Illinois State Softball Tournament in Springfield.
Hunter Holmes did not participate in sports. “He was more of a computer guy,” Benjie said, but his presence remains in his father’s heart and mind.
“I don’t wish anybody to ever go through that, but it makes you think about what’s important and how little help these kids actually get going through life,” Holmes said.
Benjie Holmes is there for them, donating time, energy and often money to create opportunities or enhance existing ones. A contractor by trade, if the organization needs something built, he builds it.
His wide-ranging involvement led to him being named the 2026 Region H Coach of the Year.
Holmes played football, basketball and baseball at Havana High School. He lives in Virginia, Illinois, 15 miles from Beardstown, and coaches basketball and softball for BASA. He hopes to add flag football at some point.
“I need to free up more of my own time to do that,” he said, smiling. “There is so much enjoyment to this. There’s not really a lot of drama with these kids. If you see one get upset, it’s about him. He’s not mad at someone else. He’s upset with himself.”
The State Softball Tournament attracted more than 500 athletes, 145 coaches and 30 teams. Among the volunteers was Christy Beenenga, whose journey to the Special Olympics Illinois is a winding one.
Beenenga graduated from New Berlin High School, near Springfield. After earning a degree at Illinois State University, she accepted a job that took her overseas and throughout the United States in a 34-year career.
“I worked for AAFES, Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which is on Army and Air Force installations around the world,” Beenenga said. “I was in Germany twice, in Arizona, Texas, Montana. The last one was Tennessee, where I was in more of a headquarters position.”
Beenenga retired in April 2024 and watched her niece volunteer at a Special Olympics bocce event in Indiana. It led her to sign up to volunteer in Tennessee.
“I got hooked in Tennessee. I did three events there,” Beenenga said. “One was the Music City Blitz, a flag football event where they bring in teams from all kinds of states in the (Tennessee) Titans’ stadium. That was an awesome event.”
Beenenga moved to Springfield, Illinois about a year ago and has volunteered for Region H Special Olympics Illinois events since February. She assisted with the skills competition at the State Softball Tournament.
“I think this is my 12th event,” she said. “I’m signed up through November for whatever events we have going on in Region H. It’s a feel-good day to be involved. Every day you’re here, it’s a feel-good day.
“I’m open to whatever comes along. I was just trying to figure out how to keep busy and give back after retiring. When you retire, it’s a little bit of a hit on the psyche, so you have to figure out another way to still help people. This is it.”
Learn more about the 2026 Special Olympics Illinois State Softball Tournament.
Home Links Advantage for Dalluge
Decatur’s Brian Dalluge made himself at home, literally, at the Special Olympics Illinois State Golf Tournament. Dalluge was one of only two representatives from Region I, where the state tournament is held at Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth/Decatur.
Growing up, Dalluge participated in a variety of mainstream sports through school, including basketball, bowling, swimming, baseball, and soccer. But when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted sports and Brian was no longer playing with many of his regular teammates, his family began looking for other opportunities.
That search led them to Special Olympics Illinois and the Dream Catchers. Brian’s father, Daniel, said the family quickly found that the program was a good fit for his son.
Asked about being part of the Dream Catchers, Brian kept his answer simple: “I like it a lot.”
And he has found plenty to like about golf. After earning a silver medal at last year’s State Golf Tournament, Brian moved up to the top spot this year, taking first place in the traditional nine-hole competition.
This year’s State Golf Tournament featured 116 athletes, along with 14 Unified partners and 65 coaches. For Brian, the event offered the added advantage of being held practically in his own backyard. He plays regularly at Hickory Point or across town at Decatur’s Red Tail Run.
His grandfather, Dennis Woodard, has been by his side as his caddy in golf competitions for the past three years. Woodard, who has played in Pro-Am golf events, was once again on the bag for Brian at the state tournament.
“I’m the one he always takes, even just to play,” Woodard said.
When Brian isn’t practicing or competing, he works for ESS Clean, helping clean at an attorney’s office and a real estate office. Congratulations to Brian, and all athletes and Unified partners, who competed in our state tournaments over the weekend!
Learn more about the 2026 Special Olympics Illinois State Golf Tournament.
by lauryn | Sep 10, 2026 | DEIB, LETR, Mission Focused, Region H, UCS/Unified
As students return to school this fall, Special Olympics Illinois is proud to recognize someone whose dedication to inclusion has made a lasting impact both in schools and throughout communities across the state. For more than three decades, Diane VanderKooy has championed the mission of Special Olympics Illinois through the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), while helping create welcoming, supportive environments for students through her work in school safety and education.
Diane’s journey with Special Olympics Illinois began in 1990 while serving as an Illinois State Police Trooper in northern Illinois. Volunteering at competitions alongside Master Sergeant Harry Masse introduced her to a movement that would shape the rest of her career and life.
“He first showed me what it actually means to be a ‘Guardian of the Flame,'” Diane said.
What began as volunteer service quickly became a lifelong commitment. As her Illinois State Police career progressed, including an assignment at the ISP Academy supervising cadet classes, her dedication to the Law Enforcement Torch Run only deepened. In 1999, Lieutenant Mike Beagles, Inspector Kevin Eack, and Lieutenant Collier entrusted her with the role of Leg 17 Leader (now called Regional Representative), continuing a legacy established just a few years earlier.
Today, Diane remains Region H’s Regional Representative and has served on the LETR State Committee since 2001. She also served as the Illinois State Police statewide coordinator until 2018 and continues supporting the effort as co-coordinator alongside Master Sergeant Amber Dunn.
Throughout her years of service, Diane has helped introduce countless law enforcement officers to the mission of Special Olympics Illinois, including presenting to every new cadet class at the Illinois State Police Academy alongside Athlete Leaders and Global Messengers.
While her journey has included leadership positions and opportunities to represent Illinois on an international stage, Diane says the greatest impact has come from the people she’s met along the way.
“This movement has done way more for me than I could ever do for it,” she said.
That commitment has taken Diane around the world as a Guardian of the Flame, representing Illinois at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, and the 2023 World Games in Berlin. Yet despite those remarkable experiences, she is quick to point out what matters most.
“The best part of all this isn’t the travel or the titles, it’s just watching our athletes grow,” Diane said.
Her passion for supporting athletes led to another important chapter when she became involved with the Chatham Chargers. After retiring from the Illinois State Police as a Master Sergeant in 2015, Diane stepped into the role of Head Coach and Special Olympics Athletic Director for the program.
At the time, the Chatham Chargers served approximately 16 athletes across two sports. Today, thanks to the dedication of many coaches, volunteers, families, and community supporters, the program has grown to more than 70 athletes, 37 Unified partners, and more than 18 coaches, competing in eight sports.
Diane’s impact extends beyond athletics. Since joining Ball Chatham School District and progressing from substitute to School Safety Officer and now Director of Safety and Security, she has helped all six district schools become involved in the Unified Champion Schools program.
As students head back to school this year, Diane believes inclusion remains one of the most important ingredients for a positive school culture.
“Inclusion is the heartbeat of our schools,” she said. “When we bridge the gap between students, we aren’t just making things safer and we’re making them kinder.”
Through initiatives such as Respect Week, Fans in the Stands, Cool School Plunges, and student leadership opportunities, Diane has seen firsthand how inclusion can transform school communities.
She believes students learn some of their most valuable life lessons by connecting with and supporting one another.
“Our students are proving that everyone deserves a chance to shine,” she said.
For Diane, inclusion is not simply a program or initiative. It is a belief that guides her work every day.
“Inclusion means ensuring that every person is seen and heard for their individual worth and potential, regardless of their challenges.”
After more than 35 years of service to Special Olympics Illinois and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Diane remains just as passionate about the movement as she was when she first volunteered in 1990.
“I’ll always be a cheerleader for this cause because it truly changes your life if you let it,” Diane said. “It has definitely changed mine.”
Whether she’s carrying the Flame of Hope, mentoring students, coaching athletes, or helping build more inclusive communities, Diane continues to embody what it means to be the #SOILLDifference.
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 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 8, 2026 | Athletes, Change for Champions, Fundraising, Fundraising Events, Region E
Special Olympics Illinois is proud to introduce Paige as the 2026 Jewel‑Osco Change for Champions Ambassador. Paige represents the spirit of this campaign through her dedication, positivity, and the meaningful connections she creates every day with her team and customers.
Paige is known for her outstanding attendance, reliability, and strong work ethic. She brings a positive attitude and a warm personality to her role at Jewel‑Osco, consistently going above and beyond to create a welcoming experience. She has become a familiar and appreciated face in the store, with customers regularly complimenting her helpfulness and commitment to customer service.
Outside of work, Paige is a dedicated Special Olympics Illinois athlete and an active participant with the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association. Her commitment is reflected in her achievements, having earned 62 medals and trophies throughout her journey. Paige takes great pride in qualifying for state-level Special Olympics Illinois competitions and continues to set goals for herself through sport.
As the 2026 ambassador, Paige proudly represents her fellow athletes and colleagues, highlighting the importance of inclusion and opportunity. Her story reflects the power of showing up, working hard, and building connections within her community.
From July 8 through the end of the month, customers can donate to Special Olympics Illinois at more than 180 Jewel‑Osco stores statewide at checkout. Every contribution creates opportunities for growth, personal development, and connection through sports, health, and leadership programs for more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across Illinois.
Join Paige and support Change for Champions at your local Jewel‑Osco store.
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.
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