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 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.”
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.
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 12, 2025 | LETR, State Tournaments, Statewide
Over the next two weeks, thousands of law enforcement officers across Illinois are lacing up their running shoes, not for speed or medals, but for something far greater: to promote inclusion and to celebrate the accomplishments of athletes of all abilities.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is officially underway, with more than 3,000 officers carrying the Flame of Hope across 1,500 miles through cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
Countdown to the Cauldron
The excitement will build toward a grand finale on Friday, June 20, when officers run the final leg of the relay at 7:30 PM at The Shoppes at College Hill in Normal. There, they’ll carry the Flame of Hope to Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University for the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Games, lighting the cauldron and officially kicking off the state’s largest competition of the year.
This annual intrastate relay is more than an annual tradition, it’s a powerful show of support for the more than 60,000 athletes, Unified partners, Young Athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families that make up the Special Olympics Illinois community.
A Commitment to Inclusion
For the officers of Illinois LETR, the Torch Run is about more than a run—it’s about fueling the mission. LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois, raising more than $5 million in 2024 alone. The relay offers officers a unique opportunity to connect with athletes and show their support in a public, visible, and meaningful way.
The 2025 Torch Run includes more than 30 individual legs throughout Illinois, with regional runs scheduled across the northern, central, southern, and metro areas of the state. From Rockton to Robinson, from Chicago to Springfield, the Flame of Hope will pass through communities large and small, igniting awareness for a more inclusive future.
Join the Movement at Summer Games
The Torch Run is just the beginning. As the Flame of Hope makes its way to Hancock Stadium, you’re invited to be part of the celebration.
Witness inclusion in action, discover ways to experience the power of Summer Games in Bloomington-Normal from Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22.
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 10, 2025 | Athletes, LETR, Mission Focused, Region H, Sports
For families across Illinois, the Young Athletes program is more than a chance to run, jump, throw, and play. It’s the very first step into the Special Olympics Illinois community—a place where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
The Young Athletes program introduces children ages 2 to 7, with and without intellectual disabilities, to the joy of movement and the basics of sports. In doing so, it helps build physical coordination, social confidence, and lifelong friendships among participants.
This summer, the program takes center stage at the Young Athletes Culminating Event, held on Friday, June 20 at Hancock Stadium during the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in Normal.
Finding a First Step and a Community
Amanda Workman first got involved in the Young Athletes program when her son Waylon, a Young Athlete with an intellectual disability, was just three years old.
“We were looking for a way for him to burn off some energy. He was full of life,” Amanda shared. “Coach Diane invited us to practice alongside traditional Special Olympics Illinois athletes. Even though we stayed off to the side at first, we were welcomed completely.”
What started as a practical outlet quickly became something more. Amanda eventually became a registered coach and learned more about the mission behind the program: to support children with and without intellectual disabilities through inclusive play and skill-building activities.
“Physically, it’s helped Waylon build coordination and confidence,” she said. “But emotionally and socially, that’s where we’ve seen the biggest growth. He feels accepted. He feels proud. He lights up when he sees the police officers who volunteer. Their kindness and support show him that the whole community is cheering him on.”
Amanda and her family have returned year after year, forming strong bonds with other families in the program.
“The kids grow up together, and so do we as parents. It’s become a community of people who understand and celebrate each other.”
Now, Waylon is starting to transition into other, traditional Special Olympics Illinois activities, carrying with him everything he gained through Young Athletes.
A Dual Perspective: Parent and Officer
Shannon Beauchamp, a member of the Young Athletes/LETR Committee, brings a powerful dual perspective to her role—as both a parent and a law enforcement officer involved in the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR).
Her journey with Special Olympics Illinois began more than a decade ago when she attended LETR fundraisers with her agency. But it was not until she attended the Illinois LETR Kickoff Conference and saw a Young Athletes presentation that she truly felt the connection.
“Having a child diagnosed with autism really puts things into perspective,” Shannon said. “Seeing how much it meant for him to be included—on his terms and at his level—meant the world to us.”
The Young Athletes program has created a unique opportunity for both of her children. Her son benefits from the inclusive and sensory-aware environment, and her daughter—who does not have an intellectual disability—gets to participate alongside him as a Peer Partner.
“She takes his hand and helps him where he struggles. Watching them grow together is incredible,” Shannon said. “It’s emotional as a parent. You see other families cheering on their athletes, and then it’s your own child out there. It’s powerful.”
Shannon also sees firsthand how meaningful officer involvement can be.
“You go to your first LETR event and it pulls you in,” she said. “The hugs, the high-fives, just showing up makes a difference. And when families open up and share their journeys, you realize the events are about so much more than sports. The support is real. It stays with you.”
Looking Ahead
Both Amanda and Shannon have witnessed the lasting impact that the Young Athletes program has on children and families. For Amanda, the upcoming Summer Games is a chance to see Waylon participate in both Young Athletes and transition activities. For Shannon, the opportunity to support other families is a reminder of why this work matters.
“We keep coming back because we found something much bigger than we expected,” Amanda said. “It’s a program, yes—but it’s also a purpose, a support system, and a celebration of every child’s potential.”
The Young Athletes Culminating Event is held at the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games. Summer Games is held June 20-22 in Normal, Ill.
Learn more about the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games.
As Shannon said best, “These events are set up for your child. They don’t have to do anything they’re not comfortable doing. The joy you’ll see on their face—it will melt your heart. Take the chance.”
by Michelle Mayer | May 21, 2025 | Fundraising, Fundraising Events, LETR, Plane Pull, Region J, Signature Events
On Saturday, May 31, the tarmac of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport will turn into a high-energy stage for strength and inclusion.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) will host the very first Southern Plane Pull, pitting teams of 10 against each other, competing to pull a 44,000-pound GoJet aircraft 12 feet in the shortest amount of time.
At the heart of this event is a powerful partnership with law enforcement, united in raising the funds that fuel year-round training, competition, and life-changing opportunities for Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
Building Momentum
Officer Mike Shewmaker of the O’Fallon Police Department has been involved in LETR for two years, and his excitement about the Southern Plane Pull is contagious.
“I’m part of the team helping plan and gather support for the event,” Shewmaker said. “I’m trying to get people fired up for it by pointing out the competitive nature—pulling a plane is such a test of strength and teamwork.”
Shewmaker’s department is deeply involved in Special Olympics Illinois events, regularly helping organize and fundraise. The Southern Plane Pull, he believes, is a unique opportunity to expand their impact even further.
“I’m hoping this brings awareness to more people in our community. We already have a great core of support, but events like this are how we bring new people in—people who may become volunteers, sponsors, or lifelong advocates.”
What drives Shewmaker’s commitment is simple: the athletes.
“Special Olympics Illinois is so important to them. It’s not just about sports. It’s about friendships, confidence, and connection,” he said. “If someone’s on the fence about joining or donating, I always say: just come to one event. Meet the athletes. You won’t need any more convincing after that, they’ll have you hooked.”
Bringing People Together
Detective Alex Joseph of the Fairview Heights Police Department has seen firsthand how LETR builds relationships between officers and their communities.
Since becoming LETR coordinator for his department in 2019, he’s led dozens of events—Polar Plunges, Cop on a Rooftop, Tip-a-Cop nights, and more.
To him, the Southern Plane Pull is a chance to take those efforts to the next level in the southern part of the state.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring law enforcement, athletes, and the community together for one goal,” Joseph said. “In southern Illinois, we have the resources to make this a successful event, and we’re showing that support for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois is truly statewide.”
Joseph and his department aren’t just organizing a team, they’re actively recruiting others to join and sponsor the event. His method? Sharing athlete stories.
“I talk about the athletes and how these events impact them, not just during competitions but throughout the year,” he said. “They get to participate in something they love, be part of a team, and have the support of their communities. It makes a huge difference.”
For Joseph, the biggest takeaway he hopes the community walks away with is how powerful inclusion can be when it’s a shared effort.
“I hope our neighbors, families, and local businesses come together with the police department in support of these athletes. If this event is a success, it sets the stage for even greater things ahead.”
Statewide Dedication
Investigator Adam Krack of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office brings statewide perspective and personal commitment to LETR. He’s been involved with the Illinois Torch Run since 2016, and what started as a professional responsibility has become a family-wide passion.
“My wife Jennifer is at every event with me, and my son Preston has done three plunges,” Krack said. “Last year, I shadowed the Lewis University Plane Pull, and my daughter Charli got to sit in the cockpit and meet the pilots. She had a blast and now we’re bringing that same energy to southern Illinois.”
For Krack, this event is a special opportunity to bring together different offices from across the state and to offer something memorable for families, officers, and most importantly, the athletes.
“This Southern Plane Pull is going to be extraordinary,” he said. “Families will get to be up close with the plane, interact with pilots, enjoy music, cheerleaders, and all kinds of fun. It’s not something you forget.”
But beyond the excitement, Krack emphasizes the life-changing impact of Special Olympics Illinois.
“I know athletes who were bullied in school. They found Special Olympics Illinois and now they’re leaders,” he said.
Krack believes events like this remind the public that inclusion matters, and that progress happens when people pull in the same direction.
“This organization has always put the athletes first,” he said. “And I can’t wait to see all the families enjoy the day, connect, and celebrate what we can accomplish together.”
Join us in lifting more than just a plane—help create a space where athletes rise and inclusion takes flight. Discover how you can be part of the inaugural Southern Plane Pull.
