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Featured Athlete Katie O’Neill Eager to Share Her Story at Champions Ball
By Randy Kindred Katie O’Neill was introduced to gymnastics at five years old. She grew to love the sport, participating throughout her youth and at Elmhurst York High School. In 2018, upon graduating from York, it seemed gymnastics, sadly, was in her rearview mirror. Turned out, it became the vehicle to what she calls “a whole new world.” ...
Being the Difference: Alexis Winegard Brings Confidence to Wrigley Field
For more than 25 years, Alexis Winegard has been involved with Special Olympics Illinois, building friendships, developing leadership skills, and doing what she loves most: competing. Alexis first got involved with Special Olympics Illinois through track and field...
From the Desk of Our President & CEO: Making Every Moment Count
One of the things I have come to appreciate most about Special Olympics Illinois is that some of our most meaningful moments are not always the biggest or most visible. They are the moments that remind us why this movement exists and what is possible when people come...
Running Toward Inclusion at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
On October 11, Team Special Olympics Illinois will take to the streets of Chicago as part of the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Representing the team are athletes, family members, Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run officers, volunteers, staff, and supporters...
Beardstown Coach Benjie Holmes Continues to Honor Son at State Softball Tournament
Volunteer Christy Beenenga Travels Long Path to Special Olympics Illinois; Decatur’s Brian Dalluge on Home Turf for State Golf Tournament By Randy Kindred Benjie Holmes is a coach, athletic director, board member, secretary/treasurer and active fundraiser for the...
Being the Difference: More than 35 Years of Carrying the Flame
As students return to school this fall, Special Olympics Illinois is proud to recognize someone whose dedication to inclusion has made a lasting impact both in schools and throughout communities across the state. For more than three decades, Diane VanderKooy has...
New Unified Partners Find Friendship, Purpose, and Gold at State Tennis
When Katie and Michael Gerber joined S.O.A.R. (Special Opportunities Available in Recreation), the Bloomington-based Special Olympics Illinois agency, this year, they expected to enjoy some friendly competition and meet new people. What they found was much more than...
Being the Difference: Nowal Shalash Championing Unified Opportunities
This month, Special Olympics Illinois is proud to highlight Nowal Shalash, a special education teacher, Unified coach, and member of the Education Leaders Network (ELN) whose passion for inclusion helps create meaningful opportunities for students every day. ...
From the Desk of Our President & CEO: The People Behind the Milestones
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...
Introducing the 2026 Jewel‑Osco Change for Champions Ambassador
Special Olympics Illinois is proud to introduce Paige as the 2026 Jewel‑Osco Change for Champions Ambassador. Paige represents the spirit of this campaign through her dedication, positivity, and the meaningful connections she creates every day with her team and...
Becky Cavanagh Named 2026 Chicago Ducky Derby Ambassador
For Becky Cavanagh, Special Olympics Illinois has always been about one simple thing: fun. Whether she is competing in rhythmic gymnastics, swimming laps in the pool, horseback riding, or selling ducks for the Special Olympics Illinois Chicago Ducky Derby, Becky...
Team Illinois Brings Pride, Performance, and Purpose to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
From June 20 to 26, Team Illinois competed on the national stage at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, joining athletes from across the country for a week defined by competition, connection, and shared pride. Representing communities across the...
Unified Sports May be the Future of Special Olympics, and the Connection We All Need
By Lily Goodfellow I had the chance to interview the President & CEO of Special Olympics, David Evangelista, at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to David, Unified sports are the future. “I want the world to wake up and...
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