Special Olympics Illinois

The inaugural Lerner & Rowe Gives Back Celebrity Golf Tournament last Friday was a day of inspiration on the greens ⛳ 🏅 Hosted by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett, the event brought together NASCAR celebrities and enthusiastic participants, all in support of our athletes and programs. The beautiful Harborside International Golf Center, with its stunning Chicago skyline views, was the perfect backdrop for a day of fun and philanthropy. We're grateful for the generosity and support from everyone who participated and helped make this event a success. Your contributions ensure we can continue to empower and uplift our athletes across Illinois! #NASCARChicago #ChooseToInclude #ThankYou

Today, on what would have been our founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s 103rd birthday, we want to share a special opportunity to celebrate her legacy and athletes everywhere. Thanks to our founding partner, The Coca-Cola Company, when you donate before midnight, your gift will be DOUBLED to help people with intellectual disabilities (ID) become champions on and off the field. Match your gift now: bit.ly/3VAX7HS

We had a great time over the weekend at 2024 #NASCARChicago. There wasn't a dull moment as our athletes spent the weekend participating in race activities, meeting some of the drivers, and even selling 50/50 raffle tickets and #ChiDuckyDerby ducks. The event was even more special with Chicago Bears tight end and #SpecialOlympicsIllinois ambassador Cole Kmet in attendance. One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was seeing Athlete Leader Jose take the stage and speak about his experience with Special Olympics. He said, "Special Olympics Illinois empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities, promotes inclusion, and changes perceptions, creating a more supportive and welcoming environment." Our athletes truly shined this weekend, showcasing their incredible spirit and joy. Thank you to everyone who came out to support them! #NASCARChicago #ChooseToInclude

In the presence of a NASCAR Hall of Famer for a great cause. This morning, the NASCAR Chicago Street Team made a pit stop at The NASCAR Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament hosted by Dale Jarrett at the Harborside International Golf Center, benefitting Special Olympics Illinois! #NASCARChicago

Reminder as we approach NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend to enter the 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will stay local and benefit our community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more across the state. Enter before July 7: nascarchicago5050.com. #nascarchicago #specialolympicsillinois #choosetoinclude

Special Olympics is proud to share the impactful findings of recent research led by the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University and published in DiabeticMedicine which reveals participation in Special Olympics was found to reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes by 15%. The study, led by Dr. Meghann Lloyd at Ontario Tech, examines the diabetes status of more than 35,000 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ontario. The importance of these findings are echoed by Special Olympics Chief Health Officer, Dr. Dimitri Christakis: “People with intellectual and developmental disabilities live 16-20 years less than people without them. This inequity must be addressed. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of premature death. The observational findings in this report are extremely encouraging, important, and significant. Given that Special Olympics reaches 3.5 million athletes globally, this translates to potentially 50,000 fewer cases of diabetes in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities around the world.” Through preventive programming, proactive screenings, training the health workforce and reforming health systems, Special Olympics is actively improving health outcomes and addressing the inequities faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more here ▶️ https://lnkd.in/e_pQZ86P #InclusiveHealth #SpecialOlympics

Explore the inspiring partnership between Dr. Lieke van Heumen of University of Illinois Chicago and Courtney, an Athlete Leader and Health Messenger at Special Olympics Illinois. Together, they champion inclusive research and emphasize the power of lived experience in disability studies. Their collaborative efforts in developing accessible health resources and promoting self-advocacy highlight the critical importance of inclusivity. Read the full article to learn more about their impactful work and shared vision: bit.ly/45ILLGe #inclusivehealth #specialolympicsillinois #inclusiveresearch

Each year, Jewel-Osco launches its annual register fundraising campaign, #ChangeForChampions. From now until July 31, you can support our athletes by making a donation at the register of your local, participating store: bit.ly/3QZQFHe. Also as part of the campaign, one #SpecialOlympicsIllinois athlete and Jewel-Osco employee is nominated as Change for Champions Ambassador. Congratulations to John (pictured) for being selected this year! #partner #choosetoinclude

"Amelia Hernandez has competed in every single Special Olympics event since the first international summer games at Soldier Field in 1968. “'She’s always been enthusiastic about life, whether it’s sports or anything, she always puts her heart fully into whatever she’s doing,' said David Donahue, a former employee of El Valor, who has been her coach on and off for 21 years." Read more about Region D athlete Amelia in the Chicago Sun-Times article: bit.ly/3RMFm7e #choosetoinclude #inclusionrevolution

Special Olympics, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company announced an eight year extension of their global partnership, rooted in the shared values of championing inclusion. The partnership runs through 2031 and is a testament to The Coca-Cola Company's belief in the mission of Special Olympics to showcase the limitless potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities and celebrate the unifying and transformative power of sport. "We are honored and grateful to continue our long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola to create an inclusive world for everyone," said Mary Davis, Special Olympics CEO. "Coca-Cola has been an agent of change for inclusion in creating experiences and opportunities for our millions of athletes, coaches and volunteers, forever changing the way the world views inclusion." "Special Olympics, much like Coca-Cola, helps bring people together through sports, inclusivity and celebration," said James Quincy, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company and member of Special Olympics Board of Directors. "We're proud to continue supporting this important organization, while cheering on every athlete courageously pursuing their dreams." For more on this groundbreaking agreement with our founding partner, go to brnw.ch/21wKYme. #ChooseToInclude