by lauryn | Sep 8, 2025 | Athletes, Mission Focused, Region G, Sports, State Tournaments, Uncategorized
By Randy Kindred
The dictionary tells us soar means to “fly or rise high in the air,” and to “increase rapidly above the usual level.” The Bloomington-Normal area has a different SOAR, which stands for Special Opportunities Available in Recreation.
Yet, this past weekend, SOAR managed to soar. Representing Region G, the organization spread its wings and took flight at the Special Olympics Illinois State Golf and State Softball Tournaments.
At Decatur’s Hickory Point Golf Course, SOAR had its best-ever six teams qualify for the 9-hole Unified state competition. At Springfield’s UIS Softball Complex, Coach Julie Smith’s hard-working team won twice to earn the gold medal in its division.
The golf tournament included more than 220 athletes, Unified partners, and coaches. The softball tournament attracted more than 630 athletes and coaches.
Here are some highlights from both events.
Back in the Swing
Among the SOAR duos at the golf tournament were Patrick Haynes and his Unified partner, Brian Lahr.
Lahr heads up the SOAR powerlifting program and also enjoys playing golf. SOAR had gone several years without a golf program but reinstituted the sport three years ago.
That was welcome news to Lahr, who competed in the 9-hole Unified state competition last year with a different partner. Haynes also had qualified for state, but he was unable to compete when his partner became ill.
Haynes and Lahr were all smiles Saturday after combining for a first round 92, fourth best out of 17 teams heading into Sunday’s final round.
“You hit some great drives today buddy. I’m proud of you,” Lahr told Haynes, who also competes in basketball and volleyball with Special Olympics Illinois.
“It was fun out there,” said Haynes, 26. “We did so well.”
On a glorious sunny day, Lahr’s heart was warmed by the camaraderie of the Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
“Golf is hard, so to see these guys perform at the level they do is a lot of fun,” Lahr said. “It’s watching all of them support each other. It’s like, ‘We’re all here to watch each other and support each other and have fun.’”
A Barry Good Time
The State Golf Tournament’s individual skills competition included 49-year-old Craig Barry.
Representing Region E, Barry lives at Good Shepherd Manor in Momence. He was quick to converse with volunteers running the skills events – the short putt, long putt, pitch shot, iron shot, wood shot, bunker shot and chip shot.
Barry placed fifth in his division, but felt like a winner because his parents, Jim and Martha Barry of LaGrange Park, had come to watch him. When they arrived, he hugged his father, then kissed his mother on the cheek.
“He doesn’t know a stranger,” Martha Barry said. “They’re all his friends.”
Craig Barry will tell you he has two homes, one with his boys and one with a computer.
“We’re the computer home,” Martha said, smiling.
“We come down (to Momence) usually every other week,” she added. “Next week, they’re having a big fall festival and he sings with the choir. They’re singing so we’ll be down.”
Together, They Won
Among the leaders on SOAR’s champion team for the State Softball Tournament was Travis Brady. He helped SOAR defeat the NWCSRA Wolves Green, 11-6, in the semifinals and PTOEC from Region J, 15-9, in the championship game.
“We had good communication and we played as a team,” Brady said after the first game. “For a second (this summer) we didn’t have any practices because of the heat and the weather. Once we got practices, we came together and communicated and hit well.”
Brady lives in Bloomington and also competes in basketball, volleyball, soccer and tennis. He said Special Olympics Illinois has provided him with a large network of friends.
In June 2026, he will join Team Illinois at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, competing in Unified volleyball.
“It’s been on my bucket list for a long time,” he said. “I just want to enjoy it as much as I can.”
Smith also will be at the USA Games as the Team Illinois volleyball head coach. She said Brady is among “a good group of athletes” on her softball team.
“They listen and they work really hard at practices,” Smith said. “We’ve only had like four practices because of rain and heat. Every time we practice, they put 150 percent into it.
“I can’t tell you from the beginning until now how much they’ve improved. Every game it seems like we just keep getting better and better. It’s all because they’re just working really hard out there.”
Learn more about the State Golf and Softball Tournaments, plus view photos and results as they’re available.
by lauryn | Sep 3, 2025 | Athletes, Mission Focused, Sports, Statewide, Uncategorized, USA Games
Every athlete dreams of the moment when hard work, passion, and dedication lead to something extraordinary. For the Illinois delegation, that moment is just around the corner as they prepare for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
From June 20–26, Minneapolis will host one of the nation’s largest and most inclusive sporting events uniting more than 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and an expected 75,000 fans from across all 50 states through the transformative power of sport. Among them will be 80 proud representatives from Illinois.
Team Illinois includes 43 athletes, 11 Unified partners, 14 coaches, 3 youth leaders, and 9 staff. Together, they will compete for gold in eight sports: athletics, bocce, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, swimming, Unified basketball, and Unified volleyball.
Meet the Illinois Delegation
Each of these individuals has carved their path to this monumental achievement with grit and determination. Team members have been selected for the Illinois delegation. The official roster will be finalized in March 2026.
Athletics
Matt Nelson (Head Coach)
Tim McDonald (Coach)
Kelsey Ferguson
Matthew Friedman
Timothy McDonough
Samantha Wagner
Bocce
Ryan Fleck (Head Coach)
Thomas Knudsen
Tina Mango
Randy Mertes
April Papke
Bowling
Matt Corso (Head Coach)
Darlene Baker (Coach)
Jordan Derossett
Sean Hatch
Lizzi Jorgensen
Yadhira Macias
Scott Maess
Katie Maynard
Julian Rivera
Debra Stewart
Gymnastics
Kathy Sievers (Head Coach)
Glen Marks (Coach)
Kathleen O’Neill
Mary Roman
Alexis Winegard
Evelyn Diem
Powerlifting
Mandy Parisi (Head Coach)
Brenden Cannon (Coach)
Sheridan Coleman
Ryan Farrar
James Foster
Courtney Krueger
Swimming
Tara Murphy (Head Coach)
Jordan Chandler (Coach)
John Cleveland
Valerie Densler
Melanie Harwood
Drew Kirkman
Christine Leverenz
Ryan Nash
Amanda Propheter
Rocky Rochlitz
Unified Basketball
Duke Wilson (Head Coach)
Nowal Shalash (Coach)
Megan Reaska (Sport Manager)
Grayden Alexander
Anthony Boyce
Josh Danta
Jeremiah Jones
Georgia Kohl
Calvin Kohl
Sam LaMore
Zyire McCoffin
Isabelle Trudeau
Osazuwa Ikponmwosa
Unified Volleyball
Julie Smith (Head Coach)
Dawn Williams (Coach)
Taylor Sweeting (Team Manager)
Travis Brady
Dillon Buschmann
Mia DiGiacomo
Rebecca Gehle
Todd Mallo
David Mathews-Dedmond
James Moustis
Matthew Reczek
Maggie Ryan
Arik Sorensen
Shannon Steinbis-Vanatta
Marium Wahid
Youth Leadership Experience
Ethan Jimenez
Annabella Torres
Katie McFadden (YLE Mentor)
Staff
Carolyn Cronin
Brianna Beers
Katelin Zandi
Michelle Mayer
Taylor Combs
Greg Eberle
Alternates
Lexie Cuppett (Coach)
Eva Parisi (Coach)
Deb Yarovsky (Coach)
Beth Clark
Ella Haynes
Patrick Haynes
Josh McClellan
Meghan Collie
Susan Kuborn
Sabrina Walega
View our USA Games webpage to stay up to date on all things Team Illinois.
Join the Journey
The countdown to USA Games is on, and every step of the journey matters. Support Team Illinois by making a donation to help our athletes compete and celebrate their achievements. Then, take it a step further — join the Special Olympics Illinois movement and make an impact through volunteering, advocacy, or spreading inclusion in your community.
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 24, 2025 | Mission Focused, Region C, Region G, Region K, Sports, State Tournaments
By Randy Kindred
As a freshman at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Ryan McGuire trailed the pack significantly in cross country. Running with a paraprofessional, McGuire typically finished the three-mile races five minutes after the next slowest competitor. The following year, he moved up to the back of the pack. His junior year, he was in the middle of the pack. And by his senior season, McGuire was “nearer to the front,” said his father, Martin.
“You might have been surprised that after his freshman year, he kept on running,” Martin McGuire said. “But he kept after it and kept getting better and better.” After running three miles in 34 minutes as a freshman, Ryan covered the distance in 16 minutes, 23 seconds as a senior. He was just getting started.
Competing in Special Olympics Illinois Region C, the 23-year-old McGuire won a gold medal Saturday morning in the 3,000-meter run at Summer Games, where the state-level competing for athletics (track & field) and seven other sports, is held. He could have run much farther, even in the humid conditions at Illinois State University’s track.
McGuire, who has autism, has become a marathon runner. In April, running with two support runners, he completed the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon course in 2 hours, 52 minutes, 4 seconds.
Next up is the Berlin Marathon in the fall.
“That will be his fifth Abbott World Major Marathon and he’s run all of them under three hours,” Martin McGuire said. “His plans are for the Tokyo Marathon next year. He may be the first Special Olympic athlete to finish the Abbott World Major Marathons in under three hours in each of them.”
Competing in Tokyo would leave only the newly added Sydney Marathon left among the Abbott World Major Marathons. That one will have to wait a bit, but likely, McGuire will run in it, with Dad cheering him on. “This is what Ryan and I do,” Martin McGuire said. “This is what we like to do … getting ready for races and running.”
When Ryan is in training, he runs six days a week and cross-trains on Sundays in a swimming pool. “Do you have running in your background?” his father was asked.
“Not at all,” Martin McGuire replied. “When Ryan goes on a long run, I might ride my bicycle trying to keep up.”
Clearly, running is important to Ryan. So is the message it sends.
“Ryan likes to have people remember that people with autism and delayed development have a lot of talents and a lot of special gifts,” Martin McGuire said. “For each and every one of us, we have to keep going and find what our gifts are and then develop them.”
“Team Brian”
Brian Brown of Harrisburg won gold Saturday in the 50-meter run and experienced a lot of love after receiving his medal. Family members, some wearing ‘Team Brian’ t-shirts, greeted him with smiles and hugs. Included was a group hug from Brown’s nieces and nephews.
Brown’s mother, Jennifer Ratley, said her son began competing in with Special Olympics when he was nine. He’s 32 now. “We have a lot of medals,” Ratley said. “We have everything, every color, even a few ribbons.
“He loves being up here. He has friends here from everywhere. He doesn’t know a stranger. Even though they race against each other, they’re all friends. They do it for fun.”
Kinleys carry on
The Summer Games continued a long association with Special Olympics for Kurt and Karen Kinley of Normal. Kurt, 24, competed in a relay and the 400-meter run. Karen, 18, took part in the softball throw and 100-meter run. Kurt has competed since he was eight years old.
“I like to get medals for everyone,” he said. “I like to inspire other people. Every athlete is so amazing.”
Kurt and Karen compete for Bloomington’s SOAR. They are supported by their parents, Dave and Michele Kinley. Dave is a former school administrator and Michele is a Special Education teacher in McLean County Unit 5.
“We’ve been very fortunate to live in a community where there are so many different opportunities,” Dave Kinley said. “Two weeks ago, we did Pizza in the Park through SOAR. It was for dads, so it was Kurt, Karen and me. Karen is going to take a candle making class through SOAR. There are just a lot of things.
“It’s been a real blessing to our family.”
From a mall to medals
When Eric Haderlein of Libertyville was very young, he would run through a local mall during the winter to “get some energy out,” said his mother, Ann Haderlein.
“There was a girl working there who would watch him every morning and she was like, ‘One day, I bet he’s going to be in the Olympics,’” Ann said. “Now, he is!”
It may not be in the international Olympics, but the state Summer Games are exhilarating for Eric, 29. He has competed for many years and relished the bronze medal he won Saturday. Asked what he likes best about the Special Olympics Illinois, he replied, “Winning and having fun.”
“He really looks forward to it,” his mother said. “It gets him out and it’s social. He was very excited (by the medal). He feels very proud of himself.”
To learn more about the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, please visit soill.org/summergames.
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 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 lauryn | Mar 24, 2025 | Athletes, Mission Focused, Sports, Uncategorized
Our Illinois delegates have returned home from the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, and what an unforgettable journey it’s been. See official Special Olympics USA team highlights below.
They gave their all on the world stage, competing alongside athletes from across the globe, representing Illinois and Special Olympics USA with heart, determination, and bravery.
Reflecting on her experience, Mallory shared, “I was so proud to compete against the fastest Special Olympics athletes from around the world and earn a bronze medal and a fourth place ribbon. It showed me why all my training mattered — and that I can do anything if I work hard enough. The best part was sharing this experience with my Special Olympics USA teammates, making lifelong friends, and having my family there to cheer me on.”
Special Olympics Illinois President & CEO Pete Beale-DelVecchio, who was in Turin alongside our Board Chair Kathy Schniedwind, shared, “These athletes have made Illinois proud with their dedication and hard work. Their perseverance and success in Turin embody the spirit of Special Olympics Illinois, and we celebrate their incredible achievements in this experience of a lifetime!”
