Special Olympics is celebrating 56 life-changing years with a match offer. Our global movement for inclusion has grown since the first games held in July of 1968 to more than 100,000 games and competitions every year. Donate now to empower more Special Olympics athletes: bit.ly/3RCF7f7
Special Olympics Illinois
Non-profit Organizations
Normal, IL 3,755 followers
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
About us
Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world. Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and over 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. Special Olympics began in Illinois with the first games at Soldier Field in July 1968 thanks to the efforts of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her peers. There are now more than 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries. Special Olympics is financially sound with diverse revenue streams, a thorough annual budget process and increasing organizational revenue streams. Special Olympics Illinois does not charge athletes or their families to participate in the program. OUR MISSION Provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. OUR VISION Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) will be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. ATHLETE OATH “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
- Website
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http://www.soill.org
External link for Special Olympics Illinois
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Normal, IL
- Type
- Nonprofit
Locations
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Primary
605 E Willow St
Normal, IL 61761, US
Employees at Special Olympics Illinois
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Michael Rackov
CEO - Energetic Intentions LLC
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Amanda Nelson
Assistant Director- Region C at Special Olympics Illinois
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Andrew Thompson
Director - Salesforce Administration at Special Olympics Illinois
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Cindy Villafuerte
Chief Financial & Diversity Officer at Special Olympics Illinois
Updates
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Thank you, Nicor Gas, for your continued support! We are thrilled to partner with Nicor for the #ChiDuckyDerby this year. This commitment helps us create amazing opportunities for our athletes. #partner #thankyou #choosetoinclude
We are proud to announce the release of our inaugural Community Impact Report! This report highlights our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve and outlines the positive changes we've helped foster over the past year. From advancing sustainability initiatives to supporting local economic growth, the report showcases the impact of our collaborative efforts with partners and stakeholders. Dive into the stories of empowerment, progress and resilience that define our journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Check out the full report here https://lnkd.in/eB3_McpV and see how, together, we're fueling more than just homes – we're fueling hope, opportunity and community spirit!
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We are incredibly grateful to the RSM US LLP Foundation for their generous donation to support our youth-based programs! 🎉 Their contribution was presented at the Region D Golf Outing, where they also sent an amazing group of volunteers to help with golf skills. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our athletes! A special shoutout to Jonathan Caforio for being part of this incredible moment. #choosetoinclude #partner #thankyou RSM
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Special Olympics Illinois reposted this
Grace Payne has defied expectations and excelled in the face of doubt since a young age, thanks in part to the support of Special Olympics New Zealand. By providing equal opportunities for all athletes, #SpecialOlympics is helping to create a more inclusive world. This #GlobalWeekOfInclusion, join us by visiting https://lnkd.in/gZKbhBW3. Special Olympics Asia Pacific
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Special Olympics Illinois reposted this
This year we are celebrating Special Olympics! 🏆 The Empress Theophano Prize, awarded each year to honour an exceptional contribution to human betterment, will be presented to Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, at a Ceremony on 23 October in the 2000 year-old Rotunda of Thessaloniki, Greece. ✨Special Olympics shows the power of sport to overcome adversity and promote inclusion✨ You can find the Press Release here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dpF9Rb-z #TheophanoPrize2024 #SpecialOlympics #DisabilityRights #EmpressTheophanoPrize #Thessaloniki
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Reminder that your change can make a difference for our athletes this July. Go to your local, participating Jewel-Osco from now until July 31 and make a donation at the register. You will be helping to support our community of 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more across the state. Find a participating store near you: bit.ly/3QZQFHe. #changeforchampions #partner #choosetoinclude
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Special Olympics Illinois reposted this
🎮 🎤 📺 Exciting news! We are proud to announce that Lily Goodfellow, a Shoutcaster for #GamingForInclusion and an athlete for Special Olympics Illinois, has been recognized as one of the top women in the world of Esports by Cynopsis. 🔗 to learn more https://lnkd.in/eA86FU9T #InclusionRevolution
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Master Sergeant Amber Dunn, with the Illinois State Police (ISP), first got involved with Special Olympics Illinois at a Polar Plunge. “My passion for Special Olympics Illinois is tied to my commitment to the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run and getting to spend time supporting and cheering on our Illinois athletes,” she said. Amber has been with ISP for 14 years, is a US Navy veteran, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration. “As a black female working in a white male dominated field, I have learned how much work it can be to integrate and provide insight into the areas that need work for inclusion to happen," she said. For Amber, inclusion means giving everyone a seat at the table. “Inclusion means to make an effort to allow the opportunity for everyone to participate and have a voice. Inclusion means standing up and speaking up for everyone to be included.” We are grateful to Amber for service and dedication to our mission. Thank you for exemplifying what it means to be the #SOILLDifference!
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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
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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