by lauryn | Dec 9, 2025 | Athlete Leadership, Athletes, Mission Focused, Region I, Sports, State Tournaments, Uncategorized
By Randy Kindred
In a matter of three hours, Summer Nagele sang the national anthem to open the 2025 State Bowling Tournament, participated in doubles competition, received a medal, chose her sandwich for lunch, answered a reporter’s questions and prepared to compete in singles.
It was a busy schedule for anyone, but especially for a 20-year-old whose doctor once told her parents she may never walk, talk or eat on her own. Nagele is a Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader and has been crowned four times as Illinois Miss Amazing, a program for girls and women with disabilities.
Miss Amazing indeed.
Currently the Illinois Miss Amazing Teen Queen 2025, Nagele’s disability went undiagnosed for many years. Autumn and Michael Nagele of Champaign sought answers for their only child and, despite the doctor’s grim early prognosis, “We never set limits on her,” Autumn said.
“It took 16 long years and we finally got a diagnosis,” Autumn added. “If she wants to do something, we’ll try to support her in any way we can. Because of that, she is the amazing human she is today. She doesn’t let anything stop her.”
Summer was diagnosed with KCNK9 Imprinting Syndrome (also Birk-Barel Syndrome), a condition so rare her mother said she is “one in about 100 in the world” to be diagnosed. Characteristics include intellectual disability, decreased muscle tone and unusual facial features.
Yet, there she was Saturday at Victory Lanes in Decatur, performing the national anthem, serving as a friend and mentor to her 12-year-old doubles partner, Alorah “Lou” Rosenberger, and embracing one of the nine sports in which she participates, most through Special Olympics Illinois.
“Special Olympics Illinois has meant that I’ve grown more confident, more self-esteem,” said Summer, a Champaign Central High School graduate who works at Rally House in Champaign. “My confidence grew a whole lot. I was able to self-advocate for myself before, but with Special Olympics Illinois, I kind of got the ability to get more confidence in advocating for myself.”
That has led to advocating for others. In her role as an Athlete Leader, she speaks to organizations about the benefits of programs such as Special Olympics Illinois and the Miss Amazing program.
Summer’s three previous Miss Amazing titles were 2017 Illinois Miss Amazing Preteen Queen, 2019 Illinois Miss Amazing Junior Queen and 2023 Illinois Miss Amazing Teen Queen. This year, she also was first runner-up at the national Miss Amazing competition in Chicago.
Summer said she relishes spreading the word about the program, saying it helps others “build self-confidence and self-esteem and allows people just like us to compete.”
“We all have some sort of disability,” she said. “It’s just so much fun to do it and you get to tell them about your passions.”
She embraces being an Athlete Leader, saying it “enables me to do what you saw me do this morning … sing the national anthem, and also give speeches and tell people who might not know a lot about Special Olympics Illinois more about Special Olympics Illinois.”
Autumn Nagele said her daughter “enjoys telling people about the things she does and Special Olympics Illinois is right at the top of the list.”
Michael Nagele expressed pride in how his daughter has grown from a young, inexperienced athlete to a mentor and positive role model.
“We really look at what we have, not what we don’t have,” he said. “There’s a quote I remember that says something like a flower doesn’t look at other flowers, it just blooms. I think about Summer in that way.
“Are there kids who can perform better athletically than her? Yeah, and there are some who don’t do as well as her. We take the wins where we can get them with her and she develops at her pace. We just really encourage her and help her to learn and grow at her own pace.”
‘Victory’ in Itself
The State Bowling Tournament had long been at Landmark Lanes in Peoria. Special Olympics Illinois learned in mid-September that a change in ownership at Landmark would necessitate finding a new location.
Tracy Hilliard, Senior Director of Sports and Competition at Special Olympics Illinois, said Victory Lanes was secured by mid-October.
“We were fortunate,” Hilliard said. “Our staff that is in Decatur indicated they were looking at this facility. We had a couple of suggestions and they made the visit here. It was pretty quick.
“This is a 40-lane (facility), which is a good size. Landmark was 50, but we already have three shifts. The staff here at Victory has been phenomenal. The regional tournament is moving their tournament from Champaign to here as well.”
Millikin Lends a Hand
Decatur’s Millikin University provided several volunteers to assist with the tournament. Hilliard said the school also sends volunteers to the State Golf Tournament each September at Decatur’s Hickory Point Golf Course.
“Millikin is a strong supporter of Special Olympics Illinois,” Hilliard said. “That college has always been very supportive.”
View photos and results from the 2025 State Bowling Tournament.
by lauryn | Dec 8, 2025 | Mission Focused, Organizational Impact, Uncategorized
As we approach the close of another remarkable year, I find myself reflecting on the power of a single moment. At Special Olympics Illinois, moments are not fleeting; they are transformative. They are the smile on an athlete’s face as they cross the finish line, the pride in a team celebrating a hard-earned medal, and the courage of someone stepping onto the field for the very first time.
This fall, we have seen countless examples of what inclusion looks like in action. From Fall Games in Rockford to leadership conferences and health initiatives, every event has reminded us why our mission matters. Yet, as inspiring as these moments are, they also underscore a challenge: there are still far too many people on the sidelines. In Illinois alone, more than 600,000 individuals live with intellectual disabilities, and we currently serve only a fraction of them. That means thousands are waiting for their chance to shine.
One of those individuals is Eva. Eva was born with cerebral palsy and spends most of her time in a wheelchair. Until recently, she did not know that Special Olympics Illinois offers a motorized wheelchair slalom race as part of our athletics (track & field) competition. When she learned about it, her eyes lit up with excitement. Eva cannot wait to compete. She is ready for her moment! Stories like Eva’s remind us why we do what we do. Because every person deserves the opportunity to discover their strength and experience the joy of inclusion.
As we look ahead to 2026, our goal is clear: create more moments. Moments where athletes like Eva can experience the thrill of sport. Moments where Unified partners and athletes come together to show the world what true inclusion looks like. Moments that remind us all that communities are stronger when everyone is welcome.
The close of the year is always a time for reflection and planning. It is a chance to celebrate what we have accomplished together and to imagine what is possible when we keep moving forward. Every program, every competition, every opportunity is made possible because of you; our supporters, partners, and champions for inclusion. Your commitment ensures that athletes have access to sports, health programs, and leadership training.
It ensures that next summer, Team Illinois will proudly represent us at the USA Games in Minneapolis.
As we turn the page to a new year, let us carry this momentum forward. Together, we can make 2026 a year filled with more moments that matter. Moments that change lives and strengthen communities.
Thank you for walking beside us on this journey. On behalf of our athletes, coaches, and families, thank you for believing in inclusion and for helping us make it a reality.
Pete Beale-DelVecchio
President & CEO, Special Olympics Illinois
by lauryn | Nov 18, 2025 | Mission Focused, Region E, Sports, UCS/Unified, Uncategorized
UCS Brag Reports are back! These updates spotlight the amazing ways schools and students are making inclusion come alive — from creative ideas to inspiring moments that show the true impact of Unified Champion Schools. Check out Andrew High School’s Ava and Kareem’s report below.
Ava & Kareem’s Brag Report
Hey everyone! We are excited to brag about Andrew High School’s Unified Soccer team and our 2025 season! It has been an unforgettable experience. This season, our team practiced once a week on Thursdays during T-Bolt time out on the field. Each week, we worked hard to build our teamwork and soccer skills while having fun together. Every practice helped us build our confidence and prepared us for the big game day.
All of our hard work led up to the Unified Soccer Regional Tournament hosted at Homewood-Flossmoor High School on Sunday, October 5. Our team was excited as we competed in our first game against the HF White team. It was a tough match, and all athletes and partners played with determination. Our Andrew Thunderbolts took the win and advanced to the next round.
Our second game was against Thornton, and it was one to remember! The match was intense from start to finish. We were neck and neck the entire game. When the score was tied, we went into overtime, and the energy on the field and in the stands was incredible. It all came down to a penalty kick shootout, where Thornton came out on top. Even though we didn’t advance to state, we proudly brought home silver medals and celebrated how far we came!
We are so proud of our entire team for their effort, sportsmanship, and positive attitudes throughout the season. Competing together, facing fellow Unified Soccer teams, and representing Andrew High School and Special Olympics Illinois was an amazing experience we’ll never forget. Go Bolts!
Forever T-Bolts,
Ava & Kareem
by lauryn | Nov 17, 2025 | Fundraising, Fundraising Events, Uncategorized
On Tuesday, November 4, David Yurman hosted an exclusive shopping event at their Oak Brook location to benefit Special Olympics Illinois, marking the third collaboration in support of the organization’s athletes and mission.
Those in attendance enjoyed a luxurious shopping experience with Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet, a dedicated supporter of Special Olympics Illinois.
Photo credit: David Yurman
About the event, Cole shared his enthusiasm for the cause, saying, “It’s always inspiring to spend time with the athletes and supporters of Special Olympics Illinois. Events like this remind us how powerful community can be.”
Throughout the evening, Cole connected with guests, taking photos, engaging in conversation, and helping create a memorable experience. Many attendees left with signed footballs and jerseys as keepsakes from the night.
Also in attendance was Athlete Leader Katie O’Neill, who posed for photos alongside Cole, his wife, Emily, and guests in attendance including fellow Special Olympics Illinois athlete, Jack. Katie described the evening as “one of my overall favorite experiences with Special Olympics and really life in general!”
Photo credit: David Yurman
Reflecting on the event, Katie shared, “I think it is really cool that David Yurman is supporting Special Olympics Illinois and all of us athletes,” a sentiment echoed by many throughout the night. She added, “The staff at David Yurman treated me like a celebrity!”
Special Olympics Illinois President & CEO Pete Beale-DelVecchio expressed his gratitude for all who supported, stating, “This event is a great example of how thoughtful partnerships can drive meaningful impact.”
A special thanks to everyone who made this evening a success, especially Cole Kmet and the team at David Yurman, including Store Manager Megan Perez and Leigh McKelvey, Regional Vice President of Sales. Partnerships like these serve as a reminder of how supporting inclusion can be not only exciting and memorable, but also deeply rooted in purpose.
David Yurman is honored to support Special Olympics Illinois, continuing the Yurman family’s legacy of championing inclusivity and community.
by lauryn | Nov 4, 2025 | Athletes, Families, Mission Focused, Region A, Sports, State Tournaments, Uncategorized
By Randy Kindred
The importance of families was on full display last weekend during the State Flag Football Tournament at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.
The Byron Gladiators are a family-run, independent organization formed in 2020, with the Druien family in a lead role. When the Gladiators competed Saturday in their second straight state flag football tournament, Ron Druien was coaching, his wife, Jenifer, was on the sidelines flashing cards to signal in plays, and their twin sons, Tyler and Ethan, were playing.
Jenifer Druien also is the head coach for track and an assistant coach for swimming and bowling. Other parents head up those sports, as well as bocce and snowshoeing. “All the parents participate,” Jenifer said.
Tyler and Ethan Druien are 17 years old and seniors at Byron High School. Saturday, Tyler wore the number 95 in honor of Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars, and Ethan had number 22, the number his father wore as a player.
Their family bond is strong, a common thread among Gladiators players and parents.
“I think the biggest reward is the families getting together and the kids and the friendships that have blossomed,” Jenifer Druien said. “And also the parents … the friendships and the support system.”
Ron Druien said players and parents have become like extended family. He connected with a friend from his youth, Mike Keller, through the Gladiators. They coach the football team together, with Keller’s son, Ryan, among the players.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Ron Druien said. “One of the things I like is we come down here as our small organization and I believe these young men here (the Vaughn Yellow Eagles) are from Chicago, with an organization that is a lot bigger than ours.
“We lost by two scores (30-14). I think we did OK. I was proud of them. We didn’t win, but we were successful.”
Win or lose, the Gladiators see a lot of each other. Jenifer Druien said the families have parties and also bowl year-round as a group.
“We get together once a month (to bowl) when it’s not in season,” she said. “Otherwise, we do it once a week when it’s in season. It gives the parents time to hang out and the kids time to hang out. It’s great.”
Learn more about the Special Olympics Illinois Families Network.
Tight Pack of Wolves
The Independent Wolves receive valuable help from parents of their players. Based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, the Wolves are an independent agency that evolved from the Special Olympics Illinois programs at Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South high schools.
Assistant coach Paal Joshi teaches at the Glenbrook Alternative School and is an assistant football coach at Glenbrook South. He coaches the Wolves alongside head coach Craig Ameel, who is in his 38th year of coaching Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
“It’s a family within a family,” Joshi said.
Ameel agreed, saying parental involvement is “huge” in the operation of the program.
“One of our guys, his parents couldn’t drive so he came with another parent, who said, ‘I’ll bring him down,’” Ameel said following a 29-20 win Saturday. “Our families … we’re very lucky that our families are able to and willing to help out.”
Titans Lend a Hand
Among the volunteers making the tournament run smoothly were members of the Illinois Wesleyan University women’s flag football team. The newly formed Titans will play their first season beginning in March.
On Saturday, Claire Anderson, Lily Greenfield, Deanna Cirebea and Natalyah Stallings were on Field 2, serving as clock and scoreboard operators and holding down markers.
They enjoyed the experience.
“It’s seeing how much the sport can create bonds,” Anderson said. “I also think it’s really cool that we’re hearing them talk on the field about what plays they’re running. We’re watching it happen and we’re like, ‘We do those plays.’ We’re like, ‘This is awesome.’ We get to see how really similar it is.”
Also helping as on-field volunteers were members of the Illinois Central College baseball team.
View photos and results from the 2025 State Flag Football Tournament.
by lauryn | Oct 21, 2025 | Athletes, DEIB, Mission Focused, Region H, Uncategorized
In Chatham, Illinois, one small business is making a big impact, one shirt, one shift, and one person at a time. Impressions Design is a workplace built on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, grow, and belong.
Founded by Ashley Hinds, a former speech pathologist, Impressions Design was created to fill a critical gap she witnessed firsthand. While working in a local high school, Ashley helped students with disabilities build vocational skills to prepare for life after graduation. But many of those students struggled to find sustainable employment once they left school.
“Things like needing additional support from staff, needing accommodations and modifications to the work environment to make them successful, and/or additional time was needed to learn a skill or complete a task at the job site,” were some of the reasons, she explains. These supports were common in schools but rarely offered in the workplace. Ashley knew something had to change, so she built a business where those supports were built in from the start.
What began in her garage is now a thriving brick-and-mortar store with a team of eight, each employee bringing their own strengths to the table. “Each person who works for us has a unique skill set that we use to make sure that they feel successful and important while at Impressions,” Ashley explains.
“We don’t see each other as ‘someone with a disability’ and ‘support staff,’” she adds. “We see each other as Ashley, Marissa, Lucas, Jordan, Abigail, Cassidy, George, and Gabriella. We’re a team.”
One of those team members, Abigail, says her favorite part of the job is making shirts with her coworker Marissa. “We have fun making all the shirts together,” she says. Abigail has helped create apparel for Special Olympics Illinois events like Row 4 Dough, and she beams with pride when she sees people wearing shirts she helped make. “I have a job that I like going to and feel comfortable being myself there,” she adds.
That sense of belonging is no accident. Ashley and her team have built a culture where growth is celebrated and success is defined by progress, not perfection. Jordan, once nervous about using the press, now operates it independently. Lucas, who struggled to work for 15 minutes at a time, now rides his bike to work early and completes full four-hour shifts. “It didn’t happen overnight,” Ashley says. “It took time, patience, and compassion. But when you see those successes, it makes it all worth it.”
Impressions Design is a blueprint for what inclusive employment can look like. And during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the team doubled down on its mission. Each Friday, they celebrated “FriYAY” with recognitions, treats, and dance parties, but this October, they also shared ways other businesses can make small changes that lead to big impact.
Ashley’s advice to other employers? “Do it! It may take a little more time to train or complete tasks, but in the end, the rewards of helping someone feel empowered, successful, and important far exceed the small amount of time it takes. Impressions is no longer a job, it is a family, here to support each other and our community as well.”
As Abigail puts it: “Impressions is a place that helps me feel like I am fitting in somewhere. I would tell someone to try it out even if they’re nervous.”
Inclusion isn’t just a value at Impressions Design, it’s the fabric of everything they do.
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