Special Olympics Illinois Steve Whitlatch, Assistant Director - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Special Olympics Illinois Steve Whitlatch, Assistant Director – Sports Region J Tony Hill – Athlete, Global Messenger

Overview  Sports for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities  Leadership Opportunities  Social Programs and Opportunities  Healthy Athletes  Unified Programs and Sports  Young Athletes

History  First Games at Soldier Field in Chicago  July 20, 1968  1,000 Athletes from the United States and Canada  Our exceptional children (children with Intellectual Disabilities) can be exceptional athletes.  Eunice Kennedy Shriver – Pioneer for Special Olympics  Opened the games with a message of hope  LET ME WIN, BUT IF I CANNOT WIN LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT

2018: 50 th Anniversary  There are now more than 4.8 million athletes in 172 countries worldwide  Building an Inclusive World  Unified Sports are bridging the gap in society.

Region J Stars Saneatha Gymnastics – Level 4  5 Gold Medals at USA Games 2018 1 Gold, 3 Bronze, 1- 4 th Place Ribbon  at World Games Abu Dhabi and Dubai 2019

Region J Stars Tony Hill  Multi-sport Athlete  Polar Plunge Participant  Former International Board Member  World Traveler  Special Olympics Illinois Global Messenger  Fundraising Extraordinaire

Opportunities for You  Become an Athlete  11 Regions throughout Illinois  Host over 200 competitions each year – There’s something you can do  Socializing with other athletes, form social groups, gain friends,  Agencies host social activities away from sports  Volunteer  Each event needs volunteers to be successful  Be a part of something meaningful  Do something for someone who can never pay you back.

Questions?