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Special Olympics programs making a
difference in Illinois schools for all students
In July, Special Olympics celebrated the 45
th
anniversary of the first Special Olympics games for
children with intellectual disabilities that took place at
Chicago’s Soldier Field. This fall, thousands of
students in Illinois are enjoying the fruits of the
program by being involved in individual and team
sports through their schools – including elementary,
middle and high schools.
Special Olympics Illinois offers training and
competition in 19 summer and winter sports.
Competition takes place first at the local Area level
for most sports and athletes have an opportunity to
advance to district or state competition. A
component that’s essential before training begins is
to find a willing individual to become the Special
Olympics Athletic Director (SOAD) for a group, team
or even individual (independent) athlete. A sports
background isn’t necessary since Special Olympics
Illinois can train the trainer.
A Special Olympics program got started at
Wauconda High School several years ago because a
service employee knew how well Special Olympics
worked at her previous school and decided that the
Special Education students at Wauconda would
really benefit from the program. She became the
SOAD, filled out the paperwork required for each
sport, recruited some others to help and rallied the
community to support the team. It was a success not
only for the students who became Special Olympics
athletes, but for the school and town as a whole
when the team became the source of school spirit
and community pride.
Special Olympics training develops sports skills,
discipline and team work that help students with
intellectual disabilities do better in school, at home
and in the community. Special Olympics has
additional leadership programs and initiatives that
benefit schools as a whole and bring together
students with and without disabilities, creating a more
tolerant and welcoming environment for all students.
Schools can be involved in:
The traditional Special Olympics program (for
individuals with intellectual disabilities ages 8 and
older)
Project Unify – Youth leadership/anti-bullying
campaign
Spread the Word to End the Word (retard)
activities
Special Olympics Unified Sports (for students
with and without disabilities)
Hosting a Special Olympics event
Superintendent Prentiss Lea believes that
Special Olympics is making a difference in his
district. He said, “The entire Community High School
District 128 family is extremely proud of our Special
Olympics participants and Special Olympics
program. The pride and excitement shown by our
athletes, as well as the coaches and volunteers,
goes beyond words. We love to celebrate their
efforts and successes, and could not imagine our
district without the program and the opportunities for
varied experiences and growth for our athletes and
everyone touched by the program.”
For information on how you can start a Special
Olympics program or activity in your school, contact:
Jennifer Marcello at 630-942-5610. The Special
Olympics Illinois website is
.
Photos courtesy of Special Olympics Illinois
