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