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 | 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 | 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.
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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