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 | May 7, 2026 | Athletes, DEIB, Mission Focused, Region C, UCS/Unified
This May, Special Olympics Illinois is proud to highlight athlete Adam Jeffery, a dedicated competitor in the District 204 STEPS program whose commitment to sport and leadership continues to grow each season.
Adam first became involved with Special Olympics Illinois in 2018, when he represented Gregory Middle School in Region C athletics. “I qualified for state that year for softball throw,” he said, “and have made multiple trips back throughout the years.” What began as a middle school opportunity has since expanded into a year‑round athletic journey.
Today, Adam participates in both STEPS and WDSRA programs, competing across soccer, basketball, and athletics. He is also preparing for a major milestone ahead: “I will also be running the Chicago Marathon 2026 as part of Team Special Olympics Illinois,” Adam shared.
One of Adam’s favorite experiences has been joining the Chicago Fire FC Unified Team. “I love being part of a team that gets to travel and play against other MLS Unified teams,” he says. “It’s pretty cool!”
This month holds something special for Adam as the Chicago Fire FC Unified Team prepares for its home appearance this Saturday, May 9, at 9:00 AM at Endeavor Health Performance Center Field in Chicago. Later, the Unified team will be recognized at half time during the professional match at Soldier Field.
When asked what inclusion means to him, Adam offers a perspective that reflects the heart of the Special Olympics Illinois movement. He said, “Inclusion means being able to come together, as a team, feeling included and safe, regardless of ability.”
Adam also participates in Athlete Leadership and continues to embrace every opportunity that comes his way. “I look forward to every game and event I have been part of with Special Olympics Illinois,” he said. “It brings me joy, happiness and positive vibes.”
As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Adam’s story serves as a reminder of the many athletes whose voices, talents, and leadership strengthen Special Olympics Illinois every day.
Thank you, Adam, for being the SOILL Difference!
by lauryn | Mar 5, 2026 | Athlete Leadership, Athletes, DEIB, Mission Focused, Organizational Impact
For more than three decades, Colleen Costello has been a powerful leader within Special Olympics Illinois. She first got involved at age 10, when she asked her coach, Jenny, if she could compete in gymnastics — a moment that sparked a partnership now 30 years strong.
Her athletic journey has taken her around the world, including the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, where she competed in rhythmic gymnastics and earned multiple medals. It was her first time competing in rhythmic gymnastics at the world stage, and the experience was unforgettable.
“I was so excited when I got my first gold medal… and then I got the second, third, and fourth,” she said.
But even in those proud moments, Colleen was thinking about how to help other athletes experience the same excitement and opportunities that Special Olympics had given her.
That instinct to support others is what led Colleen to the Special Olympics Illinois Board of Directors, where she is now serving her third term. Her path to the state board began at the local level, where she first served on her agency’s board to share athlete perspectives and learn more about leadership. “I like being on the board so I can get their opinions and give them my ideas,” she said.
Colleen takes that responsibility seriously. Before every meeting, she gathers feedback from athletes, coaches, and parents to bring their ideas directly to leadership. “They have good ideas,” she said.
She believes deeply in the importance of athlete voices in decision-making. “If you’re not an athlete, you don’t know what it’s like to be an athlete,” Colleen said. “So it’s my job to tell the board what it’s like.”
For Colleen, inclusion is at the heart of everything she does — both as an athlete and as a leader. “Inclusion means that we make the right decisions for everybody, so that all people can participate in special events,” she said. “If I’m on the board, I’m helping all the other athletes.”
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate Colleen for her leadership, her advocacy, and the countless ways she lifts others up. Through her voice, dedication, and passion for inclusion, Colleen continues to make Special Olympics Illinois stronger for athletes today and for generations to come.
by lauryn | Jan 21, 2026 | DEIB, Mission Focused, Statewide, Uncategorized
Special Olympics Illinois is proud to recognize Molly Dill, Director of Program Administration, for more than a decade of dedication to ensuring athletes have safe, inclusive, and high-quality opportunities to compete.
Molly’s connection to Special Olympics Illinois began long before her professional career with the organization. She first became involved as a Polar Plunge participant, drawn by a deep belief in the mission. Motivated by a desire to make a difference, she found her place behind the scenes, where her work now powers every event across the state.
In her role, Molly oversees the review and approval of athlete, coach, volunteer, and partner registrations and background checks, a process she modestly describes as “just a fancy way of saying data entry.” In reality, her leadership has been instrumental in streamlining processes, strengthening policies, and building a data team that takes pride in accuracy, efficiency, and service. Her efforts ensure that events run smoothly, allowing athletes to focus on what matters most: competing and shining.
Over the past year, Molly has played a key role in training staff and implementing the new Center of Excellence system statewide, elevating the support provided to programs and participants.
For Molly, inclusion goes beyond simply providing access to sports. She explains, “I think that inclusion means that you look inside yourself and see what biases you have or had, and how to overcome them so that you can treat people the way they deserve, with kindness and respect.”
Whether working behind the scenes or witnessing athletes’ achievements firsthand, from local competitions to World Games Berlin, Molly never loses sight of why this work matters.
Special Olympics Illinois thanks Molly for her leadership, dedication, and countless contributions that make the organization stronger every day. Her commitment and heart exemplify the #SOILLDifference.
by lauryn | Oct 21, 2025 | Athletes, DEIB, Mission Focused, Region H, Uncategorized
In Chatham, Illinois, one small business is making a big impact, one shirt, one shift, and one person at a time. Impressions Design is a workplace built on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, grow, and belong.
Founded by Ashley Hinds, a former speech pathologist, Impressions Design was created to fill a critical gap she witnessed firsthand. While working in a local high school, Ashley helped students with disabilities build vocational skills to prepare for life after graduation. But many of those students struggled to find sustainable employment once they left school.
“Things like needing additional support from staff, needing accommodations and modifications to the work environment to make them successful, and/or additional time was needed to learn a skill or complete a task at the job site,” were some of the reasons, she explains. These supports were common in schools but rarely offered in the workplace. Ashley knew something had to change, so she built a business where those supports were built in from the start.
What began in her garage is now a thriving brick-and-mortar store with a team of eight, each employee bringing their own strengths to the table. “Each person who works for us has a unique skill set that we use to make sure that they feel successful and important while at Impressions,” Ashley explains.
“We don’t see each other as ‘someone with a disability’ and ‘support staff,’” she adds. “We see each other as Ashley, Marissa, Lucas, Jordan, Abigail, Cassidy, George, and Gabriella. We’re a team.”
One of those team members, Abigail, says her favorite part of the job is making shirts with her coworker Marissa. “We have fun making all the shirts together,” she says. Abigail has helped create apparel for Special Olympics Illinois events like Row 4 Dough, and she beams with pride when she sees people wearing shirts she helped make. “I have a job that I like going to and feel comfortable being myself there,” she adds.
That sense of belonging is no accident. Ashley and her team have built a culture where growth is celebrated and success is defined by progress, not perfection. Jordan, once nervous about using the press, now operates it independently. Lucas, who struggled to work for 15 minutes at a time, now rides his bike to work early and completes full four-hour shifts. “It didn’t happen overnight,” Ashley says. “It took time, patience, and compassion. But when you see those successes, it makes it all worth it.”
Impressions Design is a blueprint for what inclusive employment can look like. And during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the team doubled down on its mission. Each Friday, they celebrated “FriYAY” with recognitions, treats, and dance parties, but this October, they also shared ways other businesses can make small changes that lead to big impact.
Ashley’s advice to other employers? “Do it! It may take a little more time to train or complete tasks, but in the end, the rewards of helping someone feel empowered, successful, and important far exceed the small amount of time it takes. Impressions is no longer a job, it is a family, here to support each other and our community as well.”
As Abigail puts it: “Impressions is a place that helps me feel like I am fitting in somewhere. I would tell someone to try it out even if they’re nervous.”
Inclusion isn’t just a value at Impressions Design, it’s the fabric of everything they do.
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.
