Check out our Spring Games wrap up!

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Events

Congratulations athletes!

This year's Spring Games were incredible! More than 2,000 athletes competed in track and field competitions at Dunbar Park earlier this month. It was an great week filled with competition, games, music, and friendship.

Before the games, we gathered at Soldier Field with athletes, fans, and special guests for the Opening Ceremonies. Despite a bit of rain, we had a wonderful time. Teams participated in the athlete parade and were welcomed by volunteers and sports mascots. Independence Park performed their talent show winning cheer routine, and we watched athletes compete in an exciting dance competition.

We also watched this video featuring athletes and coaches describing what they love about our program and how it has impacted their lives.

At the end of the ceremonies, athletes from Walsh Elementary did a torch run around the field and lit the cauldron to officially start the games.

We also honored some special guests:

The team from John A. Walsh Elementary was presented with the Keith Magnuson Spirit Award.

Volunteers of the Year Elmer Mestrovic and Frank Phillips were honored.

Michael Sheahan Jr. was given the Justice Anne McGlone Burke Award.

Carey Pinkowski, CEO of Chicago Event Management and Executive Race Director of the

Chicago Marathon, was named as this year's Honorary Coach.

Thank you to the Chicago Park District and everyone who helped make these events possible!

Did you miss your chance at souvenirs from this year's Spring Games? We still have some available at our online store!

Shop for souvenirs

Don't miss the BTN Big 10k and 5K!

We are excited to be a charity partner for this year's BTN Big 10K and 5K on July 15 at Soldier Field! Represent your favorite Big 10 school at this fun race, then join all the runners and fans at the Post-Race Tailgate. We'll be there and we want you to be a part of it!

Check out what our athletes have been up to!

We have lots of activities and competitions going on this month!

Life Enriching Programs

Last Wednesday, students from Chicago Vocational Career Academy participated in the last of five sessions with After School Matters and Hubbard Street Dance. Each session gave the 20 students an opportunity to get active and learn dance moves with Hubbard Street Dance. Afterward, they headed to the kitchen to learn to prepare a new dish. Wednesday's meal was a chicken flatbread!

We are glad we could offer this fun program with our great partners.

Art and Music Therapy

As we near the end of the 2022–2023 school year, we want to feature our Art and Music Therapy program. We are so proud of how this program has grown this year–from four schools to nearly 50 schools. We are also now offering Art and Music Therapy in Chicago Park District locations and during summer programming at Chicago Public Schools.

Thank you to all of the great teachers who help make this program possible!

Intramural Leagues

This season's Intramural Kickball and Softball Leagues from the Chicago Park District are both wrapping up. More than 2,000 athletes have been participating in these leagues at La Villita Park.

These were the last leagues for the school year, but we're excited for more kickball intramural fun this summer!

Spring Family Opportunities

The spring session of Family Opportunities is underway! Athletes and family members can participate in lots of fun activities this season including Driving Range, Mini Golf, Archery, Indoor Rowing, and Bowling.

Check out the schedule

Are you a Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities athlete who wants to join our classes and activities?

Join our list

CAN TV

Did you know that our athletes have their own show on CAN TV? Their crew joined us at our Evening Reception to interview guests. Their show airs on the first and third Saturday of each month at 9:30 AM. You can also view episodes anytime on Youtube.

Athlete Artwork Feature

May’s featured artwork was created by athlete Mark Demsey of Misericordia. Mark’s artwork, entitled “Let Me Be Brave”, depicts crowded stands around a stadium, track, and torch. This artwork is a great way to celebrate this month's Spring Games accomplishments We are so proud of our brave athletes for their hard work!

Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities

2 E 8th Street, Suite 2M

Chicago, IL 60605

312-527-3743 scc@sochicago.org