As I reflect on the past few months, it is the people behind the milestones and headlines that stay with me most. The athlete stepping onto the field, the volunteer arriving before sunrise, the law enforcement officer carrying the Flame of Hope, the staff member solving challenges behind the scenes, and the family member cheering from the stands. Those are the experiences that continue to remind me what makes Special Olympics Illinois so remarkable.
We began the quarter with exciting news from our friends at Jersey Mike’s. Thanks to the incredible support of communities across Illinois, the Month of Giving campaign was a tremendous success in helping send Team Illinois to the Special Olympics USA Games. To everyone who purchased a sandwich, encouraged friends and family to participate, or helped spread the word, thank you. Your generosity helped make an unforgettable experience possible for our athletes, coaches, and Unified partners.
The momentum continued through our Law Enforcement Torch Run community. We celebrated the news that Polar Plunge exceeded its fundraising goal, followed shortly by Cop on a Rooftop surpassing its goal as well. These accomplishments reflect the commitment of law enforcement officers and supporters across the state who continue to champion inclusion alongside our athletes.
That commitment was also on display when Illinois had the honor of hosting the kick off of the Final Leg for the Special Olympics USA Games. Seeing Board Member and athlete Alex Huegen and Debbie Henning of the Lockport Police Department helping lead the way was a powerful reminder of the partnerships that make our movement so strong.
One of the highlights of the season was Summer Games.
This year, more than 3,450 athletes and Unified partners, 1,250 coaches, 1,200 volunteers, and nearly 10,000 family members and friends traveled to Bloomington-Normal for one incredible weekend. More than 15,000 individuals came together to celebrate sport, determination, and community.
Throughout the weekend, we witnessed tremendous competition, personal best performances, and countless examples of sportsmanship. Athletes inspired us once again with their drive, focus, and perseverance.
I also want to recognize our staff. They are often the first to acknowledge others and the last to recognized. Yet they deserve tremendous credit for the success of Summer Games. Faced with unexpected absences and challenges, they remained adaptable, focused, and committed to ensuring athletes had an exceptional experience. Because of their efforts, we once again delivered a high-quality Games for our athletes.
What makes their work even more remarkable is that many of them immediately shifted from Summer Games responsibilities to supporting Team Illinois at the Special Olympics USA Games. Day in and day out, they walk alongside our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families to help create opportunities and experiences that leave a lasting impact.
There are some experiences that are difficult to put into words. Walking into the Opening Ceremony with Team Illinois at the Special Olympics USA Games was one of them.
Seeing delegation after delegation enter from across the nation was incredibly powerful. As the national anthem played and I looked around at athletes, coaches, families, and supporters representing every corner of our country, I found myself with a few tears rolling down my cheek.
Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver captured the spirit of the Games perfectly when he described them as “a celebration of the best of the American spirit at 250” and reminded all of us that “no one works harder than the athletes of Special Olympics.”
Throughout the week, I witnessed incredible performances, but one story continues to stay with me. Tina, one of our bocce athletes, visited Healthy Athletes and received her first pair of glasses. Something many of us might take for granted became a life-changing experience. With improved vision, she went on to earn a gold medal with her team and a bronze medal in individual competition. Her story is a powerful reminder that what happens through Special Olympics extends far beyond the field of play. Sometimes a small change can open the door to new confidence, new opportunities, and new possibilities.
As we enjoy the summer months, we are already looking ahead to a busy season. Before long, we will be gathering for the Chicago Ducky Derby and our state tournaments in golf, softball, and tennis, along with many more opportunities to celebrate our athletes and the communities that support them.
It is truly a privilege to be part of the Special Olympics Illinois family. That family includes every athlete, coach, volunteer, staff member, donor, partner, law enforcement officer, family member, and supporter reading this newsletter. Thank you for helping create opportunities, experiences, and memories that will stay with our athletes long after the competitions end. Together, we continue to build a more inclusive Illinois.
Pete Beale-DelVecchio
President & CEO
Special Olympics Illinois