Hello, Champion of Special Olympics Illinois! I want to begin with a simple thank you. Thank you for being here with us. Thank you for being part of our community and making our mission possible. Your support drives real change and makes our world more inclusive every day. Because of you, 2024 was a year of remarkable growth, achievement, and momentum for the entire Special Olympics Illinois community. This year, we laid the foundation for our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan by focusing on four core areas: growing our roster, spreading awareness, improving programs, and increasing inclusion. Of course, our athletes are—and always will be—at the heart of everything we do. In 2024, with over 20,000 participants and 279 competitions across the state, they inspired us with their dedication, courage, and joy. Those are some of our biggest wins of the year. Now, let’s take a look at some more highlights.
Passionate, Driven, Leading Athletes
This season, our athletes didn’t just compete—they inspired. With more than 20,000 participants across 279 events, we saw moments of grit, determination, and game-changing achievements. Makenzie, a dedicated Athlete Leader, took on a new challenge as the emcee for the Summer Games Opening Ceremony, proving that leadership extends beyond the playing field. Meanwhile, Athlete Leader Daniel Smrokowski’s journey to Team Coca-Cola showcased the power of embracing new pathways, turning a simple “yes” into a life-changing experience. Empowering athletes to become leaders is a core part of our mission. In 2024, 13 Athlete Health Messengers helped spread awareness about fitness and healthy living. Additionally, our Athlete Leadership Program continued to provide resources for athletes to develop skills, advocate for inclusion, and represent Special Olympics Illinois. Back in November, our 2024 Athlete Leadership Academy gave athletes the tools for learning essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Athletes of all experience levels got to showcase their talents through interactive sessions and Unified Leadership training, gaining the confidence to take on roles within Special Olympics Illinois and beyond.
By the Numbers
The powerful data in our annual Reach Report showcases the real impact of our commitment to empowerment, inclusion, and advocacy. See how Special Olympics Illinois athletes, families, and supporters are driving meaningful change and building a stronger, more unified community in this year’s report.
Partnerships in Gratitude.
Beyond financial contributions, our corporate partners actively engaged with athletes in meaningful ways. Coca-Cola played a key role in supporting Special Olympics Illinois, not only through sponsorship but also by donating in-kind products for competitions and backing the Chicago Ducky Derby. Six Flags Great America provided support through memorable experiences that celebrated athletes’ achievements. Additionally, Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet and United Airlines teamed up to bring even more visibility and support to Special Olympics Illinois. Their collaboration helped promote an ambassador program that gives our athletes a chance to work for United, while continuing to spread awareness and inspiring more people to get involved in our mission of inclusion. Special partnerships like these continue to make a lasting impact on our athletes and communities.
Record Breakers
This year, peer-to-peer fundraising brought in $4.6 million for Special Olympics Illinois. A standout effort came from the O’Fallon Police Department, which set a new statewide team fundraising record for the Polar Plunge by raising an impressive $67,000. Their dedicated outreach and strong community involvement helped them raise an unprecedented amount, proving the power of an engaged community.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
In 2024, we deepened our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by making more opportunities for athletes to thrive—on the field, in school, and in the workplace. Through efforts to grow workplace inclusion, leadership programs, advocacy efforts, and partnerships, we’re breaking down barriers and building a culture where every athlete, volunteer, and supporter feels valued and empowered. By championing inclusion at every level, we’re not just changing perceptions—we’re driving lasting change in communities across Illinois.
Healthy Priorities
Health programming expanded in 2024 to ensure athletes receive essential screenings and education. There were more than 1,700 screenings through initiatives like Special Smiles, MedFest, and FUNFitness. These programs promote lifelong wellness and empower athletes to take charge of their health. Athlete Caleb Scott embodies this mission, using his own health journey to inspire others and advocate for greater access to resources. Taylor Combs took her passion for athletes’ wellbeing beyond her role as Special Olympics Illinois’ Director of Health and Wellness by running the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, raising awareness and support for Special Olympics Illinois health initiatives.
Valued Volunteers & Heroic Heroes
Our events thrive because of the dedication of 9,939 coaches and key volunteers, 15,523 event volunteers, and 5,856 youth volunteers who give their time to support our athletes. Athlete Susan Kuborn spent time helping the Special Olympics Illinois Gratitude Team, where she inspired a Bank of America senior vice president to volunteer at our state basketball tournament. There were countless volunteers worth celebrating in 2024, especially the individuals who went above and beyond at the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games. Our 2024 Hero Awards also honored outstanding individuals whose commitment to inclusion and service made a profound difference in the Special Olympics Illinois community.
Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
There were 3,000 active law enforcement personnel that participated in fundraising efforts for the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). Their dedication to raising awareness and critical funds for our programs ultimately resulted in raising $5.2 million for Special Olympics Illinois—that’s a 2024 record we’re proud to brag about!
Unified for the Future
Our 400 Unified Champion Schools created even more opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities to compete and learn together. These school programs foster friendships, promote understanding, and help build a more inclusive future for young leaders. In 2024, Illinois was home to seven National Banner Schools, five of which were being recognized for the first time,
What Comes Next?
As 2025 continues, we need you more than ever. There are many ways to get involved. You could volunteer at one of our competitions or fundraising events; encourage your company to get involved; or simply spread the word about our organization on social media. We’re all one team. When we support Special Olympics Illinois—when we build a more inclusive world together—we all win. Yours in the SO movement, 
Pete Beale-DelVecchio President & CEO Special Olympics Illinois