Your Gift Matters
Inclusion isn't guaranteed. Access isn't equal.
In Illinois, more than 600,000 people live with intellectual disabilities. Fewer than one in 25 are part of our programs today. That means more than 95% are still on the sidelines, eagerly awaiting their chance to belong, to compete, to shine.
That’s not just a statistic. It’s a call to action and a chance to change lives.
So, what do we do about it? We take action. Together.
We have the programs, people, & passion.
What we need now is you.
As the demand for our work grows, support from individuals and partners like you will determine how far we can go.
Your gift does more than fund programs, it transforms lives. It ensures athletes across Illinois can access the training, healthcare, and opportunities they deserve, at no cost to them or their families.
When our athletes have support to use their abilities, everyone thrives.
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
participants (athletes, Unified partners, & peer partners)
participating agencies statewide
free health screenings provided
Athlete Leaders learning lifelong skills
counties represented
trained, active coaches
registered family members involved
community members strong
SPORTS: Where Ability Shines
Let’s start with a number: 90%. That’s how many coaches have seen athletes grow—in confidence, in connection, in self-worth—through Special Olympics Illinois sports.
Without these opportunities, individuals with intellectual disabilities face a greater risk of preventable health conditions, isolation, and missed opportunities to build self-esteem and independence, the very outcomes Special Olympics Illinois exists to deliver.
When you give, you create places to train, to compete, to belong. That includes year-round opportunities in 18 inclusive sports programs—where athletes build skills, pride, confidence, and life-long wellness.
Health Initiatives: Change the story, change the outcome
Out of every 10 athletes, six need a specialist, five have tooth decay, and four need vision correction. People with ID, on average, also have an expected lifespan 16 years less than the general population.
Because of you, Special Olympics Illinois athletes receive free dental, vision, and hearing screenings from compassionate professionals in a safe, welcoming space.
UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOLS: Because every student deserves to belong
Students with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied. But in schools with Unified Champion Schools (UCS) programs, something shifts.
Through UCS, we see students of all abilities coming together in a welcoming environment to learn, play, and lead through inclusive sports, youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. This statewide movement builds lasting cultures of inclusion and belonging among youth.
You make that shift possible. Where the next generation learns to lead with compassion.
Athlete Leadership: When athletes lead, inclusion lasts
For far too long, individuals with intellectual disabilities were excluded from decisions that shaped their lives.
You’re helping build a world where athletes don’t just participate, they drive change.
As advocates in the movement, they serve on boards. Influence our programming. Engage in policy discussions with lawmakers. Challenge outdated systems. Demand equity and model inclusion.
ATHLETE PROFILES
Hear from our athletes how Special Olympics Illinois made the difference.
CARTER SANDERS
Multi-Sport Athlete | State Competitor Athlete Leader
KATIE O'NEILL
Athlete Leader | Gymnast | CNA
JOSE F. MORENO JR.
Athlete Leader | eSports Shoutcaster
GET IN THE GAME. BECAUSE INCLUSION CAN'T WAIT.
Inclusion is growing, but only because of people like you. The need is urgent. Far too many remain on the sidelines. You can level the playing field. Connect with our team below to join the movement today.
CARTER SANDERS
Multi-Sport Athlete | State Competitor | Athlete Leader
When Carter Sanders joined Special Olympics Illinois at age 15, he was looking for more than a routine. Over the next two decades, he found purpose, friendships, and a community that expanded his goals and gave him space to grow. “Before Special Olympics, I was just an ordinary person— school, homework, video games,” Carter recalls. “Now, I’ve competed in everything from snowshoeing to powerlifting. I’ve set goals, won medals, and built real connections.”
Carter is a true all-around athlete. His sports résumé includes swimming, skiing, bocce, bowling, tennis, track and field, powerlifting, and nearly every team sport. One of his favorite memories is the 2021 state flag football competition—not just the gameplay, but the camaraderie: “We won fourth place, had a pizza party, and went to the movies to see The Eternals. It was an unforgettable weekend.”
Beyond sports, Carter has stepped into leadership roles, expanding his influence within the organization. His long-term goals include representing Illinois at the Special Olympics USA Games and becoming a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger.
KATIE O’NEILL
Athlete Leader | Gymnast | CNA
Before joining Special Olympics Illinois, Katie O’Neill knew that she had something to say, she just hadn’t been given the chance to say it. Since stepping into both competition and leadership, she has found not only her voice, but her confidence, drive, and a sense of belonging.
As an athlete, Katie beams when she talks about mastering new gymnastics skills like flipping on the beam or landing her first flip-flop. “I had never won anything before,” she says. “Now, I want to try every sport!” Each medal gave her more than pride and sparked new goals. Katie recently earned her Certified Nursing Assistants license—a milestone she credits to the confidence she built through Special Olympics.
As an Athlete Leader, Katie thrives in front of a crowd. She has shared her story at events like the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference and the Champions Ball, where she shines as both a speaker and ambassador. “I always wanted to speak at my high school graduation, but they didn’t pick me,” she says. “That was a mistake.” Today, Katie speaks with conviction, humor, and heart, and she reminds audiences often, “I make the world more fun!”
Katie’s journey from unsure graduate to confident speaker and Certified Nursing Assistant has been shaped by the programs and opportunities made possible through Special Olympics Illinois.
JOSE F. MORENO JR.
Athlete Leader | eSports Shoutcaster
Before joining the Athlete Leadership Program, Jose saw himself as a competitor—but not yet a leader. Sixteen years later, he’s not only leading; he’s teaching others to lead. Through Special Olympics Illinois, Jose became a certified athlete leader, a role that helped him build confidence, find his voice, and use it to empower others.
From shoutcasting Special Olympics eSports events to advocating for inclusion in both English and Spanish media, Jose brings energy and purpose to every platform he touches. He has served on committees ranging from Diversity & Inclusion to Champions Ball fundraising and proudly represents athletes on the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council.
“I used to think I didn’t have it in me to lead,” Jose says. “Now I get excited to help others grow. It’s not just about being an athlete anymore—it’s about being a role model.”
When asked what he would say to the donors who make programs like Athlete Leadership possible, Jose didn’t hesitate: “Your support is what makes it possible for athletes to grow—not just in sports, but as confident leaders and voices in their communities. Your presence, encouragement, and support can truly make a lasting difference in an athlete’s life.”
Thanks to the Athlete Leadership Program, Jose isn’t just part of the movement.
He’s driving it forward.