by Michelle Mayer | Jun 24, 2026 | Mission Focused, Organizational Impact, UCS/Unified, USA Games
By Lily Goodfellow
I had the chance to interview the President & CEO of Special Olympics, David Evangelista, at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to David, Unified sports are the future.
“I want the world to wake up and realize that for close to six decades they missed what is the biggest opportunity for us to heal ourselves, which is simply to play Unified. That’s my goal for countries around the world … This is a world of no judgement. This is a world of just play.”
I was able to see the spirit of inclusion while watching the Team Illinois Unified basketball and volleyball teams compete at the Games.
Special Olympics Unified Sports is a program that pairs athletes with intellectual disabilities with partners who do not have an intellectual disability on the same team to compete together. Arik Sorenson is a Unified partner on Team Illinois volleyball. “Unified means everything. Seeing these athletes succeed and get out there, game after game, and practice after practice, it’s awesome.”
Becca Gehle is a Special Olympics Illinois athlete who participates in both Unified and traditional Special Olympics sports. She loves playing Unified because “it’s not just about the athletes. We’re all working together.”
Team Illinois basketball players agree. Athlete Osaze Ikponmwosa says, “It’s about respecting others.”
It was awesome to watch the teams compete, but even more fun to see how much they enjoy playing together and how much they have bonded as teammates. Unified sports give athletes and peers the opportunity to do something they both love and learn from each other.
Family members of both athletes and partners came to Minnesota to support the teams. Barb Alexander’s son, Grayden, is a partner on Team Illinois Unified basketball. She says that for Grayden, being a Unified partner has been one of the best experiences of his high school career. “He has grown and experienced so many amazing things, met so many people, gotten to play a sport that he loves. Just being so inclusive with everyone, he’s learned and grown so much from it.”
Every athlete and partner I talked to said the same thing, how excited they were to be on the team and how much it means to them.
Taylor Sweeting is a Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader and is serving as the team manager for the Unified volleyball team at the games. “It’s not just about winning the medals. It’s about being good teammates and athletes, and sportsmanship.”
Sportsmanship is about treating others with kindness and respect, even if you aren’t winning. Team Illinois Unified volleyball coach, Julie Smith, helps her players handle the pressure of competing at this level by encouraging them to enjoy every moment.
“We try to make it light and have fun because our team likes to have fun together.”
The players and coaches agree that having fun is the most important part of playing Unified. “My favorite part is playing with my friends and having fun with them always,” said Marium Wahid, an athlete on the volleyball team.
David Evangelista thinks it’s more than that. He believes everyone is looking for the same thing, they just don’t know it. “They are looking to be accepted. They are looking to be loved. They are looking to be part of something bigger than themselves. They are looking to be around people who won’t judge them. They are looking around for people who will help them become better. That’s all right here in Special Olympics.”
As the Team Illinois basketball team won an incredible game against Washington on Tuesday, via double overtime, it was easy to see all of those things. But it was even greater to see them from the volleyball team after a tough loss.
Arik Sorenson said it best. Despite any score, “Unified means inclusion. It means going out there and having fun. We’re Team Illinois – we are fun!”
Follow along with all the Team Illinois sports as they compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. And, learn more about Special Olympics Illinois Unified sports and how to get involved.
by lauryn | Apr 1, 2026 | Mission Focused, Organizational Impact, Statewide
As I reflect on these early months of the year, I am struck by how many meaningful moments are being created not only on the field of play, but in classrooms, meetings, and spaces where inclusion is shaped and strengthened across Illinois.
One of those moments took place recently at Heartland Community College, where we hosted the second training of our Athlete Leadership University. More than 40 athletes came together to build skills, confidence, and leadership capacity that extends well beyond Special Olympics Illinois. Experiences like Athlete Leadership University reinforce that inclusion is an active commitment. It means creating pathways for athletes to grow, lead, and influence the communities around them.
That same sense of progress was evident at the inaugural meeting of the Illinois Legislative Neurodivergent Caucus, launched by Representative Manley and Senator Cappel. We were honored to be invited to speak at this first gathering, which encouraged meaningful dialogue about the issues facing our athletes and others across the state. Bringing together policymakers, advocates, and people with lived experience is an important step toward more inclusive systems and solutions.
We are also seeing momentum take shape through thoughtful legislative conversations. House Bill 4284 focuses on updating Illinois state law to reflect person-first language rather than disability-first language. This shift recognizes people before labels and helps reinforce dignity and respect across systems. Representative Cochran, the chief sponsor of the bill, joined a recent Family Leadership Team meeting to share more about its intent and impact.
Just days later, a powerful moment occurred in Springfield. Our board member, coach, and athlete, Taylor Sweeting, testified in support of House Bill 4284 before a House Committee on March 19. We believe Taylor may be the first Special Olympics Illinois athlete to testify before a House Committee, an important milestone for our movement. His testimony was supported by Mo Khan, who introduced Taylor to Representative Cochran and worked closely with him to prepare his remarks. Taylor’s voice was a clear reminder that inclusion is strongest when those most impacted are part of the conversation.
Another piece of legislation we are watching is House Bill 5704, introduced by Representative Chung, which seeks $1 million in financial support for Special Olympics Illinois. Representative Chung is currently working to build bipartisan support by securing additional co-sponsors. If this effort resonates with you, reaching out to your state representative to encourage their support can play an important role in helping this bill move forward and in sustaining opportunities for our athletes statewide.
Looking ahead, excitement continues to build for the Special Olympics USA Games. Our Team Illinois 80-person delegation, including athletes, Unified partners, and coaches, and support staff, is set and preparing for an unforgettable experience. Thank you to everyone who supported the Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving campaign to send Team Illinois to the Games. Your generosity helps ensure our athletes have the resources they need to compete, represent our state, and shine on a national stage.
And in the months ahead, we will have opportunities to come together to celebrate our Team Illinois delegation. Each of these moments serves as an important reminder of the light our athletes bring to their communities and of the work still ahead to ensure everyone has the opportunity to belong.
Thank you for standing with us. Every training, conversation, and shared experience helps create more opportunities for inclusion and ensures that those moments continue to matter.
Pete Beale DelVecchio
President and CEO Special Olympics Illinois
by lauryn | Mar 19, 2026 | Athletes, Mission Focused, Organizational Impact, Region D, Region H, Sports, State Tournaments, UCS/Unified, Volunteers
By Randy Kindred and Lily Goodfellow
Tom White won more than 400 games in 26 seasons as Chicago De La Salle Institute’s boys head basketball coach. There were a lot of highs in a career that earned him induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Yet, White will tell you there were some “hard years” in which “people are transferring on you and there are things you don’t see.”
White coaches the game in a different environment these days, and it’s given him something new, special. His De La Salle/Southside team fell a bit short in its quest for a fourth straight IHSA Unified State Basketball Division 2 championship, but that was OK. White and his players had a third-place trophy Saturday and, more importantly, each other.
“In some of my years as a boys varsity coach … I don’t know if I was told too much that they loved me,” White said. “In this, they tell you they love you. They want to hug you. I think it’s a human need a little bit. It’s good to be appreciated like that instead of criticized.”
The weekend also featured the Special Olympics Illinois State Basketball Tournament in Bloomington-Normal. Among those at Illinois State’s Horton Field House was Mitzi Vasconcelles, a retired Springfield police officer who has volunteered at Special Olympics Illinois events for decades.
On the Court With Southside Unified
Southside defeated East St. Louis, 67-46, in the third-place game at the University of Illinois’ Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) in Champaign. That came after a 49-40 semifinal loss to Bradley Bourbonnais the previous day. Bradley Bourbonnais took second place Saturday behind champion Chicago Vaughn Occupational High School & St. Patrick High School.
This was White’s fourth year coaching Southside Unified, and while another state title was not to be, “It’s pretty darn good to be here,” he said.
“You get your school, the non-special needs kids, and every year you get different kids,” White said. “This year, our soccer team was state champs. Most of these kids who are De La Salle students (on Southside Unified) are soccer players. It makes a difference.
“It (Unified) is a cool thing. I think it’s something that high school kids need in order to appreciate who they are, what they are.”
Brandon Dorsey was part of Southside’s three-year championship run. An athlete with Special Olympics Illinois, he was a player for two years and a student assistant coach for one.
Dorsey and White were featured in an inspirational video at last year’s Special Olympics Illinois Champions Ball. Dorsey now attends Richard Daley Community College in Chicago and has a job at Jewel-Osco, but his impact on the team is still being felt, White said.
“He was just the nicest kid, played hard,” said White, who is in his 31st year as De La Salle’s athletic director. “He’s like my kid a little bit. He would be the glue behind the team. He just said the right things. His disabilities were not anything of what his heart was and his head was. He saw things and understood things.
“Awesome kid, and he still has remnants in this program. He would say NWG .. Now We Go! Then everybody would start dancing and stuff.”
Dorsey said he joined a teammate to create “hype” for Southside through music.
“My teammate is a rapper and I am a music producer, so we’d create a rap song to get the team hyped up before our game started,” he said.
Dorsey believes he is still reaping the benefits of being with Southside Unified.
“Now that I’m in college, I feel like I carry that with me,” he said. “It’s for like, ‘work as a team, do your part.’ I deal with that with work and with school, so whatever I’m doing that does not involve basketball, I feel like I’m still in it because you’re working as a group.”
Learn more and view results from the 2026 IHSA Unified State Basketball Tournament.
The Heart Behind the Medals
Vasconcelles is a Region H volunteer who got involved in Special Olympics Illinois long before she retired from the Springfield Police Department in 2002.
Her first event was the Spring Games in Springfield and she was one of only five volunteers, something she said “is unheard of today.”
Vasconcelles was among those handing out awards and medals at the State Basketball Tournament. At the Summer Games tournament, she works on the track.
She said she enjoys both roles, as well as regional and local events. Earlier this month, she volunteered at the Springfield area’s Polar Plunge, which raised more than $130,000 for Special Olympics Illinois. Asked if she participates in the Polar Plunge, she said, “I do not. As I tell people, I am the last sane person they see before they go in the water.”
Among her favorite aspects of volunteering is seeing the joy of the athletes when they receive their medals.
“Oh, they’re so exuberant. They’re so proud of themselves,” Vasconcelles said. “It’s been a long weekend for some, you know. And this is the culmination of all their hard work. That’s what’s special. And what’s really fun is no matter how they place, they’re excited.
“I mean, I like to say it’s true athletic competition. Everybody is pulling for everybody. And if you watch the games, if somebody falls down, somebody’s there to help them up. I mean, it’s wonderful.”
Vasconcelles said she has come to know numerous coaches and families as a Special Olympics Illinois volunteer, including many from Chatham. She has a treasure trove of fond memories as a volunteer, too many to choose a favorite, she said.
Asked for a word to describe herself, she replied, “Humble, I guess. Humble to be around all these wonderful athletes.”
Learn more and view results from the 2026 State Basketball Tournament.
by Michelle Mayer | Mar 18, 2026 | Organizational Impact, Statewide
Hello, Champion of Special Olympics Illinois!
2025 was a year defined by action. Across Illinois, athletes stepped into new challenges, volunteers showed up in powerful ways, and communities came together to expand what inclusion looks like in real life. With our athletes leading the way, Special Olympics Illinois continued to grow stronger, more connected, and more accessible statewide.
This year marked the first full year of our 2025–2027 Strategic Plan in motion. It’s rooted in work that began in 2024 and was built around our Core Four: expanding our roster, building the movement, changing the game, and championing inclusion. These priorities guided our decisions, strengthened our programs, and helped us reach more athletes, families, and partners across Illinois.
At the center of it all are our athletes. With more than 22,500 athletes participating statewide, 2025 was filled with competition, connection, and leadership—on the field and beyond. Below are some of the moments and milestones that shaped the year.
Athletes on the World Stage
Illinois athletes leaned into new challenges and prepared to compete far beyond their home turf. Several athletes earned the opportunity to represent Special Olympics Illinois globally at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy, showcasing their talent and pride as part of Team USA.
Athlete Daniel Johnson returned home from Turin with a silver medal and a moment he’ll never forget. Daniel showed what’s possible when athletes are given the opportunity to train, compete, and believe in themselves on a worldwide level.
That global spotlight also sets the stage for what’s ahead. In 2026, athletes from across Illinois will compete at the USA Games, bringing that same confidence and competitive spirit to one of the largest national stages in Special Olympics. As Team Illinois prepares to take the field this year, we’re eager to see what these athletes will do next.
Leadership Starts Here
Leadership development took a major step forward in 2025 with the launch of Athlete Leadership University (formally known as our Athlete Leadership program). This expanded, restructured program offers athletes a clear leadership pathway that combines core coursework, personal development workshops, mentorship, and an in-person academy experience. Athletes now select an area of focus, build skills through hands-on learning, and complete activation projects that put leadership into action within their communities.
Athlete Leadership University strengthens voices, grows confidence, and creates more opportunities for athletes to be leaders with Special Olympics Illinois and beyond.
By the Numbers
The 2025 Reach Report highlights the scope of our impact across Illinois. Participation increased in most groups, including athletes, Young Athletes, peer partners, and coaches. Sports programs that were once at risk, like Equestrian, saw renewed growth, reflecting the power of meaningful outreach and collective support.
When put together, these numbers tell a larger story: more access, more engagement, and more people connected through inclusive sports and programming.
View the 2025 Financial Statements
Health Where It Counts
In 2025, we strengthened our approach to athlete health by embedding education and screenings directly into Special Olympics Illinois competitions and community events. This updated Healthy Athletes strategy allowed for more flexible and consistent access to care, ensuring athletes and families receive screenings, resources, and follow-up support where they already gather.
From balance and wellness education to hands-on simulations that build health confidence, these initiatives helped athletes take greater ownership of their well-being while expanding access to essential services statewide.
Powered by People
Our volunteers continue to be essential in everything we do. In 2025, Special Olympics Illinois strengthened its commitment to volunteer engagement by creating the Senior Director, Volunteer and Community Engagement position. Doing this was an important step in building deeper relationships, improving volunteer experiences, and expanding our community involvement statewide.
This focus on leadership and development extended to our fundraising and advancement efforts. We welcomed Bridget Byville as Chief Development Officer in 2025, bringing new energy and strategic vision to how we grow support, partnerships, and long-term sustainability for our mission.
View Our Board of Directors
Memorable Fundraising Moments
Fundraising events throughout the year rallied supporters from every corner of Illinois. The Polar Plunge once again brought thousands together—plungers, law enforcement, corporate teams, and first timers alike—to brave the cold and support Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
At the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Team Special Olympics Illinois took inclusion to the streets as athletes and supporters ran side by side. With the support of Bank of America, each mile helped amplify our mission and expand opportunities for athletes statewide.
The 2025 Champions Ball stood out as a powerful night of celebration and commitment. We were honored to welcome Governor JB Pritzker, who stopped by to speak on the importance of inclusion and the statewide impact of our community.
Unified Today, Inclusive Tomorrow
Unified Champion Schools strengthened school communities by bringing students of all abilities together. Through inclusive sports, youth leadership, and schoolwide engagement, these programs help shape a generation that understands the value of belonging both inside and outside the classroom.
In 2025, Illinois earned five National Banner Schools, with North Boone High School named to the ESPN Honor Roll, and students like Ava and Kareem showing how inclusion turns classmates into teammates and friends.
Inclusion at the Core
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging remain central to how we operate and grow. Throughout 2025, Special Olympics Illinois expanded inclusive practices across leadership development, health access, outreach, and communications. These efforts help ensure our programs reflect the communities we serve and invite everyone in.
The first Employee Resource Group was also launched in 2025, creating new space for Special Olympics Illinois staff to connect, learn, and lead together while strengthening a workplace culture rooted in belonging and allyship.
Looking Ahead
As 2026 unfolds, the work continues. Whether you volunteer, support an event, engage your workplace, or share our story, your involvement helps open doors for athletes across Illinois.
Together, we’re building something powerful. And there’s room for everyone on this team.
With mission in mind,
Pete Beale-DelVecchio
President & CEO
Special Olympics Illinois
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 | 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.
