by lauryn | Apr 6, 2026 | Athletes, Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Region B, Sports, USA Games
For eight weeks last fall, athletes across the country logged their workouts, tracked healthy habits, and pushed themselves toward better fitness through the SONA Move Challenge. Among thousands of participants, one name rose to the top: Melanie Harwood, a 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Team Illinois swimming athlete from Region B, who finished first in Illinois and fourth in the nation with an incredible 336,759 points.
For Melanie, the challenge wasn’t just about competition, it was about preparation and personal growth. “I wanted to get fitter for USA Games. It made me more aware of what I could do better for my health,” she shared. As a server in a senior living home, she stays active on the job, and her workplace community has become one of her biggest cheer squads. “The residents and staff are very encouraging … They really enjoy watching the videos my parents take and are looking forward to seeing the videos from nationals.”
Building Healthy Habits Through SONA Move
The SONA Move Challenge follows the Fit 5 + Healthy Minds model, encouraging participants to stay active, eat well, hydrate, and practice mental wellness. Melanie embraced the structure, and the accountability.
She said the challenge helped her recognize one habit in particular: “It made me more aware of how much water I needed to drink.” The revamped Special Olympics fitness app also played a big role in keeping her motivated. “Seeing my position on the leaderboard helped challenge me to do better.”
Not everything came easily. “The hardest part was making sure I ate enough fruits and vegetables every day, but I really did enjoy them,” she smiled. Melanie stayed committed, proving exactly why the SONA Move Challenge is such a powerful tool for building lifelong wellness.
Training for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Melanie will compete in the 200-meter freestyle, 200-meter individual medley, and a freestyle swimming relay at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Her training is already well underway, and she credits both SONA Move and her Fitbit for helping her stay on track.
As June approaches, Melanie’s anticipation is building. “I am very excited and looking forward to meeting athletes from all the different states at [the] USA Games,” she says.
Celebrating Health, Community, and Confidence
Melanie’s success in the SONA Move Challenge is a testament to the power of accessible health programming, and the strength of athletes who embrace it. The challenge fosters community, accountability, and positive mental health, all while helping athletes prepare for the sports they love.
Her journey is a reminder of what’s possible when athletes are supported with the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities to grow.
Special Olympics Illinois will be cheering loudly for Melanie this June, and if her SONA Move performance is any indication, she’s just getting started.
Learn more about the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Illinois delegation. Download the Special Olympics Fitness App on Google Play or Apple.
by lauryn | Feb 27, 2026 | Athlete Leadership, Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Organizational Impact, Region B, Region C, UCS/Unified
Earlier this month, leaders from Special Olympics Illinois traveled to Washington, D.C. for Capitol Hill Day, joining advocates from across the country to meet with members of Congress. Their purpose was simple but powerful: share how Special Olympics’ programs are changing lives, and advocate for continued federal funding to ensure those opportunities continue for future generations.
Capitol Hill Day puts faces to the funding. When athletes and students speak directly to lawmakers, they show that inclusion is not just an idea, it’s a lived experience shaping schools and communities every day.
Friendship That Speaks Volumes
For Derek Otero, a Special Olympics Illinois athlete and student at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School (BBCHS), the week was unforgettable.
“My favorite about Capitol Hill week is meeting people from different states and having fun with them,” he said. “I felt extremely blessed to meet every Congressman/woman we met, it was a life-changing experience.”
His message was rooted in connection: “My impact is to create as many friendships as you can, it is always a blessing to do it.”
That spirit was evident in his Unified partner, Calvin Kohl.
“Meeting with members of Congress was both nerve wracking and empowering,” Calvin shared. “It felt like it was an opportunity to represent so many others and impact thousands of people across the country.”
He left with a clear understanding of why advocacy matters. “Inclusion doesn’t just happen on its own, it takes a lot of effort, leadership, and advocacy for support … each of our voices has more value than we might think.”
Their friendship and teamwork did not go unnoticed. Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President & CEO of Special Olympics Illinois, reflected:
“The most memorable part of Capitol Hill Day this year was watching the interactions between Calvin and Derek. They have a great partnership and a true friendship.”
Together, Derek and Calvin demonstrated exactly what Unified stands for — friendship, leadership, and mutual support.
Gold Medal Moments on Capitol Hill
Athlete Leader Katie O’Neill brought energy, gratitude, and emotion to every part of Capitol Hill Day. One of her favorite moments was meeting Representative Nikki Budzinski and presenting her gold medal.
Athlete Leader Katie O’Neill brought energy, gratitude, and emotion to every part of Capitol Hill Day. One of her favorite moments was meeting Representative Nikki Budzinski and presenting her gold medal.
“If it weren’t for people like her, I would have never been able to win a gold medal!” Katie said. She also loved standing in the Capitol gallery, calling it the “room where it all happens,” a reference to the musical Hamilton she discussed with Rep. Budzinski.
The day was deeply moving. “It was so inspiring! And so powerful! I cried and so did my mom,” she recalled. But beyond the emotion, Katie felt truly heard. “They respect us and want to hear what we have to say. I could tell they were listening.”
Amanda Walker, educator and Special Olympics Illinois coordinator at BBCHS, highlighted the impact of the experience: “All of the staff… listened intently, asked questions, and offered support for our mission. It reminded me that advocacy, at any level, can make a difference.”
Building Communities of Belonging
Capitol Hill Day is a chance to show lawmakers why federal support for Special Olympics programs is essential. These programs help individuals build confidence, form lasting friendships, and develop leadership skills that carry into their communities.
Mo Khan, Senior Director of Advancement & Government Relations at Special Olympics Illinois, explained, “Public funding to support health, education, and opportunity for millions of American families who are a part of the greater disability community is a great investment.”
Through their stories on Capitol Hill, Illinois’ delegation showed that funding Special Olympics isn’t just about programs, it’s about building communities where everyone belongs.
by lauryn | Dec 9, 2025 | Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Region D, Uncategorized, Volunteers
For more than three decades, Dr. Ricardo Y. Mendoza, DDS, MS, FICD has been a driving force behind Special Olympics health programming. His journey began at Boston University, where he trained under Dr. Steve Perlman, founder of Special Smiles. “I had an amazing mentor, Dr. Steve Perlman, who happened to be the founder of Special Smiles,” Dr. Mendoza recalls. “Secondly, I have family members with special needs back in Venezuela, so I totally understood the challenges this population has. Easily, the passion towards helping this population grew inside of me.”
That passion has carried him through 30 years of service, where he’s seen how health programming changes lives. “The Special Smiles program is a fun event where athletes are competing, getting awards for their efforts, and receiving dental exams in a fun environment,” he explains. “With puppets, stickers, big models, and volunteers showing tender care, it gets easy for athletes to understand the importance of improving their oral health. And we get the caretakers and chaperones involved too.”
The impact of Special Smiles goes far beyond education. Dr. Mendoza recalls one powerful moment with an athlete whose family had just arrived from Mexico. “The parents didn’t know about any resources on how to even go about the care for this child, and we found social workers to help out,” he shares. Stories like this highlight how health programming connects families to critical support they might not otherwise find.
Over the years, Dr. Mendoza has seen many smiles restored through urgent care. “On occasions when we identify urgent dental needs and we are able to channel this through grants to cover the entire oral rehabilitation … that kind of capability is without any doubt one of the many reasons I am so proud of our program.” These interventions not only improve health but also transform lives.
Families, he emphasizes, are central to this work. “It’s very important to understand that we can help these individuals, that there are resources and dental tools available.” By equipping caregivers with knowledge and tools, Special Smiles ensures athletes have lasting support at home as well as on the field.
At the heart of it all is inclusion. “Inclusion means everything,” Dr. Mendoza says. “All individuals are to be treated equally and opportunities have to be equitable in our society. Special Olympics Illinois is a perfect example of how inclusion within our beautiful diversity of individuals can work in harmony.”
Dr. Mendoza’s story is a reminder of the incredible impact of our health programming. From screenings that restore confidence to Healthy Habits stations that empower athletes with lifelong skills, Special Olympics Illinois health initiatives are more than care, they’re a celebration of dignity, inclusion, and the joy of a healthy life. Thank you to Dr. Mendoza and all volunteers who make a difference!
Learn more about Special Olympics Illinois’ health programming.
by lauryn | Oct 9, 2025 | Athletes, Chicago Marathon, Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Uncategorized
As Health Messenger Alex Huegen prepares to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12, his focus isn’t just on crossing the finish line, it’s on staying healthy in every sense of the word.
“Running is my stress relief,” Alex says. “But training for a marathon pushes that limit sometimes.” For Alex, mental health is just as important as physical endurance. He’s learned to lean on his support system — teammates, Law Enforcement Torch Run officers, coaches, staff, and board members — when the pressure builds. “Their encouragement gives me the extra mental push when I need it,” he says.
Alex’s journey as a Health Messenger has equipped him with tools to care for both body and mind. “It gave me the tools to know what’s best for my body, and sharing that with others makes me more confident,” he explains. “When I talk about drinking water, eating colorful foods, or stretching, it reminds me to do it too.”
Special Olympics Illinois health programs have played a key role in his training. “The education parts really helped me,” he says. “I learned stretching guidelines I use before and after practice. Healthy Habits showed me the importance of fueling my body with a variety of foods. And at USA Games in Orlando, Healthy Athletes helped me find the perfect running shoe, which has made a big difference keeping me injury free.”
On World Mental Health Day, Alex’s advice to fellow athletes is simple but powerful: “Listen to your body, not just your schedule. Fuel up, drink water, and stretch to stay loose. For mental strength, focus on one step at a time and remember why you love your sport. And when it gets tough, lean on your teammates, coaches, and the Special Olympics Illinois community. Their support will carry you through.”
Alex’s story is a reminder that health is holistic – physical, mental, and emotional — and that staying well means caring for all parts of yourself. Check out these tips for staying mentally strong.
by Michelle Mayer | Sep 8, 2025 | Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Region B, Statewide
Liz Litvak knows her way around a doctor’s office. As someone living with a disability and a genetic disorder, she’s met with countless specialists over the years. But even with all that experience, speaking up during appointments hasn’t always come easy.
That’s why she joined a new health simulation session hosted by Special Olympics Illinois and the University of Illinois Chicago’s Simulation and Integrative Learning Institute (SAIL).
The goal? To help athletes build confidence in communicating with healthcare professionals, and to strengthen their ability to advocate for their own care.
That opportunity came to life in July, when a small group of athletes gathered to learn skills to improve communication and self-advocacy during doctor visits.
“Because I go to a lot of appointments for my disability and genetic disorder, I see many specialists,” shared Region B athlete Liz Litvak. “That’s why I wanted to participate in this project.”
Practicing for Real-Life Care
A health simulation is a “pretend” interaction between patients and healthcare professionals, designed to mirror real-life experiences. In this case, athletes met with trained actors portraying doctors.
The goal is to practice navigating common medical scenarios in a safe, supportive environment.
Inside the Simulated Appointments
Each athlete participated in two simulated doctor’s appointments.
In the first scenario athletes prepared for a first visit with a new doctor to discuss managing a chronic condition. This scenario tasked the athlete to discuss current medications, medical history, symptoms, and allowed time to ask healthcare provider questions.
Then, in the second scenario athletes were asked to respond to a treatment plan that could impact their ability to compete in sports. Here, they practiced expressing concerns, asked about various treatment options, and negotiated treatment alternatives.
Turning Practice into Confidence
After each scenario, athletes debriefed with staff and peers to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Discussions centered around how to self-advocate and to learn how to communicate respectfully and confidently.
“One of the doctors asked me questions during our session, and it really stood out,” Litvak shared. “It reminded me how important it is to be honest with your doctor.”
Athletes thrive when given the chance to grow, and these simulations are showing us new ways to support them on their health journeys.
“This experience gave me more confidence to speak up,” Litvak said. “I know I’ve gotten better at advocating for myself during my doctor’s appointments, and I want to help teach others to do the same.”
Programs like this show what’s possible when athletes are supported not just on the field, but in every part of life. Whether in sports, health, or leadership, their success lifts us all.
Learn more about how Special Olympics Illinois is committed to advancing health initiatives for athletes in Illinois.
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 16, 2025 | Athletes, Families, Healthy Athletes, LETR, Sports, State Tournaments, Statewide, Volunteers
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of competition and celebration at the 2025 Summer Games! Athletes, families, coaches, and fans will gather in Bloomington-Normal for three inspiring days packed with more than just sports. From health and wellness offerings to family-friendly fun, here’s your guide to everything you won’t want to miss.
Momentum Refresh
Come check out the Momentum Refresh vehicle located in the parking lot at the south end of the ISU track. We are proud to offer this universally designed, ADA-compliant mobile restroom and changing area, bringing a new level of accessibility and inclusivity for all participants, families, and fans.
Healthy Athletes
Athletes may take part in free screenings in Special Smiles, Healthy Hearing, Opening Eyes, and FunFitness on Friday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at CEFCU (Redbird) Arena. Plus, don’t forget to visit the Healthy Habits Station for water refills and healthy living tips, located at the top of the Redbird Ramp.
Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg
Members of Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run will conclude the Final Leg of their week-long, intrastate relay, carrying the Flame of Hope to its final destination of Opening Ceremony on Friday. Officers will run from The Shoppes at College Hills to Hancock Stadium starting at 7:30 PM.
Opening Ceremony
This momentous evening will feature the Parade of Athletes, Athlete Oath, special guest speakers, live entertainment, and the famous lighting of the cauldron. The event kicks off at Hancock Stadium at 8:00 PM on Friday. Can’t make it in person? Watch the inspiring ceremony as we live stream the event.
Young Athletes Statewide Culminating Event
Witness the joy of our Young Athletes program as kids ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities participate in a series of obstacles on Friday at 2:00 PM at Hancock Stadium. Pre-event registration is required.
Olympic Town
Open at ISU’s Turner Hall Parking Lot on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Olympic Town will offer a variety of family-friendly activities, including carnival games, an LETR dunk tank, live entertainment, a dance party, and more. We encourage everyone to come and take part in this free and fun event.
Families
Special Olympics Illinois celebrates families at Summer Games with activities like Family Registration at Horton Field House, Olympic Town, Grossinger Arena and Normal Community High School. Stop by for event flyers, Fan Zone fun, and a free raffle! Families can also attend the free Family Tailgate Picnic on Friday night from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Pre registration is required.
Victory Dance
Dance the night away on Saturday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in Uptown Normal. Athletes can enjoy the chance to celebrate the weekend’s accomplishments, socialize with old and new friends, and just let loose!
View the Summer Games event website for more. Want to get live event updates? Text “summer” to 844-393-0980.
