Special Olympics Illinois

A unique chance for companies to team up with Special Olympics Illinois and make a real impact with our athletes. Register for Friday's event using the link below! #ChooseToInclude

The newest episode of my podcast, “Need A Lift?”, is an interview with the great Loretta Claiborne. She’s a Special Olympics athlete, a marathon champion, and a genius of resilience and faith and goodness. She’s taught me how to face life’s toughest moments and still hold onto my trust in God and in myself too. “Everybody says, ‘Oh, we're all the same.’ We're not all the same. We are different, but it doesn't matter. We have a common bond.” Listen to our conversation on “Need A Lift?”, out now! https://brnw.ch/21wO271 #FrontRowToHope

What’s better than crossing the finish line on November 3? Celebrating with a chocolate-filled after party! We’re teaming up with the USA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run to make sure your race day is both rewarding and sweet. After your 5K, 10K, or 15K, indulge in a finisher’s mug filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and delicious dippables. 🍫 But that’s not all—your participation supports Special Olympics athletes, empowering them to lead on and off the field. By donating during registration at https://lnkd.in/gXpRi4rb, you’re helping create a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities. Join us for a race that makes a difference and ends on the sweetest note! #SpecialOlympics #HotChocolateRun #ChocolateLovers #ChooseToInclude #RunForInclusion

Thank you to our incredibly generous sponsors of the 2024 Champions Ball! Bronze medal sponsors: The Beebe/Grimm Family, Cigna Healthcare, The Eisenbart Family, Hobson Lucas Family Foundation, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting, ITW, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Knights of Columbus Illinois State Council, Network of Giving, and The Skogsbergh Family Table sponsors: Bank of America, EC-United, Ingredion Incorporated, Ironworkers Local #1, MACLYN, Mortenson, Old National Bank, The Reynolds Family & The Parolin Family, William and Mary Rogers, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, School Health Corporation, UFCW Local 1546, and Nancy and Red Wiora Supporting sponsors: Chicago Fire FC, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend, Premier Energy Group Friends of Special Olympics Illinois: Cement Masons Local 502 Plasterers' Area 5, Chicago Phoenix Club, Morningstar, Schniedwind Household, SEIU Local 1, Sheet Metal Workers' International Association, Stagehands Local 2, Local Union No. 73, and Topel Forman LLC #SOILLChampionsBall

One final thank you to the sponsors of the 2024 Champions Ball. We appreciate your continued support of our athletes and mission! Presenting sponsors: Chicago Federation of Labor Workforce & Community Initiative and Gallagher Platinum sponsor: Tom and Jan Murray Family Foundation Gold medal sponsors: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Cboe Global Markets, Dearborn Group, Gelber Group LLC, Ryan Specialty, Tullman Family Office, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, and United Airlines Silver medal sponsors: Antunovich Associates, Hyatt, Pat and Rosemary O'Connor Family, Packaging Corporation of America, The Scudder Family, The Stack Family Foundation, and Wintrust Bank Chicago #SOILLChampionsBall

Thank you to everyone who made the 2024 Special Olympics Illinois Champions Ball an unforgettable evening and a resounding success! With the help of our sponsors, attendees, and supporters, we raised nearly $1 million — all in support of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and our mission of inclusion. The night was filled with so many special moments, from dinner to a lively dance floor where everyone showed off their moves and, of course, their best sneakers in honor of our athletes’ competitive spirit. Guests also enjoyed the excitement of our live and silent auctions, featuring exclusive items and experiences. Throughout it all, the spotlight was on our remarkable featured athletes -- Zinyra, Lily, Alex, and Katie -- who inspired us with their dedication and passion. We were especially grateful to have Erin McElroy, Emmy award-winning host, co-emcee the night, bringing warmth and enthusiasm to the event. Thank you all for sharing this night with us and for your unwavering commitment to inclusion. Together, we’re building a world where every champion shines! View photos: bit.ly/3NMCyVe. Presented by Chicago Federation of Labor Workforce & Community Initiative and Gallagher. #SOILLChampionsBall #ChooseToInclude

Race for a sweet cause this Sunday, November 3 in Chicago. The 2024/2025 USA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run is more than just America's sweetest race—it's about making a difference! For the second year, Special Olympics is a proud charity partner of this running series. By joining the race, you’re helping us continue our mission to foster inclusion and create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Your support through donations changes lives—unlocking new strengths, abilities, and success for our athletes. 📅 Sign up today at https://lnkd.in/gXpRi4rb and choose from 5K, 10K, 15K, or virtual options. Together, we can run for something bigger! #HotChocolateRun #SpecialOlympics #ChooseToInclude"

“My leadership skills show other athletes to follow their dreams.” United Airlines SOSA (Special Olympics Service Ambassador) Z Ross offers her perspective on how her work as a United Airlines employee can inspire other Special Olympics athletes. Thank you to United Airlines for 5 years of supporting opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to lead on the field and in the workforce. #NDEAM #ChoosetoInclude

We are proud to celebrate the five year work anniversary of the Special Olympics Service Ambassadors (SOSAs). Since the inception of this groundbreaking program at United Airlines, these remarkable individuals have exemplified dedication and excellence in fostering an inclusive workplace at O'Hare and beyond. In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM), we extend our heartfelt gratitude to United Airlines for being a steadfast partner in the #InclusionRevolution. Your commitment to inclusive employment through the SOSA program is making a significant impact in the workforce. We look forward to the continued success and growth of the SOSA program and the positive changes it brings to our communities! Check out the Unified at Work series by SOSA and podcaster, Daniel: https://bit.ly/4e770UO #ChooseToInclude

Thank you to our incredibly generous sponsors of the 2024 Champions Ball! Bronze medal sponsors: The Beebe/Grimm Family, Cigna Healthcare, The Eisenbart Family, Hobson Lucas Family Foundation, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting, ITW, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Knights of Columbus Illinois State Council, Network of Giving, and The Skogsbergh Family Table sponsors: Bank of America, EC-United, Ingredion Incorporated, Ironworkers Local #1, MACLYN, Mortenson, Old National Bank, The Reynolds Family & The Parolin Family, William and Mary Rogers, Swanson, Martin & Bell LLP, School Health Corporation, UFCW Local 1546, and Nancy and Red Wiora Supporting sponsors: Chicago Fire FC, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend, Premier Energy Group Friends of Special Olympics Illinois: Cement Masons Local 502 Plasterers' Area 5, Chicago Phoenix Club, Morningstar, Schniedwind Household, SEIU Local 1, Sheet Metal Workers' International Association, Stagehands Local 2, Local Union No. 73, Topel Forman LLC #SOILLChampionsBall