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January 2016
Sign Up Now to Take Part in Coolest Event of Year!

Registration is heating up for the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Illinois now that cold weather has hit the region. Here's your chance to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes by enduring a bit of discomfort for a good cause - you'll be freezin' for a reason! 

Liberty School team members take the Plunge in Quincy
Register now for one of 21 Plunges happening around the state from Feb. 19-March 20. Plungers must raise a minimum of $100 each to jump into their local lakes and are encouraged to raise more. In exchange for taking your chilly dip, you'll receive a 2016 Polar Plunge sweatshirt and can receive more prizes if you raise more money! 

Again this year, you can purchase Plunge souvenirs online! We're currently running a special that includes a Plunge hat, scarf and texting gloves set for only $20! Buy Plunge swag at our online store before the Plunge and show it off as you enter the water.

Take the Plunge by participating in one of our unique challenges - Corporate Challenge, Cool School Challenge or Collegiate Cup. Participating in the Cool School Challenge has become an annual event for Liberty School, which won the challenge at the Quincy Plunge in 2015 by raising $3,692.05. Read more about the school's involvement.
First Look for Charity Less Than a Month Away

The 2016 First Look for Charity Preview Event will be held Friday, Feb. 12, at McCormick Place in Chicago, and we are honored to return as one of the 18 benefiting charities to this premiere, black-tie event. 
 
The proceeds of your ticket purchase benefit Special Olympics Illinois if you designate us as your charity of choice. You'll have access to our circus-themed hospitality suite where you can check your coat, enjoy complimentary snacks and a premium bar, and meet some of our Special Olympics athletes. Plus, all attendees have the chance to win a 2016 Lincoln MKX or a 2016 Jeep Renegade (winner must be present).
 
As a special incentive, purchase your tickets from now until Jan. 30 and you'll be entered into a drawing for a Chicago dining experience that includes gift cards to several Chicago-area restaurants. To purchase tickets, go to www.specialolympicsfirstlook.org.
 
Purchasing tickets that benefit Special Olympics Illinois helps us get an early start on our efforts to extend the Special Olympics experience to even more athletes in 2016. This past year alone, more than 22,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities enjoyed training and competition in one or more of 19 sports, thanks to support from this event. 
Illinois Coach Finalist for National Award

Jennifer Hitt of Edwardsville, head coach of the Bellveille PTOEC gymnastics team, was recently recognized as a finalist for the annual Special Olympics North America Coach of the Year Award.

The Special Olympics North America Coach of the Year Award was established in the late 1980s and is given annually to an active, certified Special Olympics coach who has met several criteria, particularly having made a significant and demonstrable impact on local Special Olympics Program and their community. 

Hitt has been involved with Special Olympics for 16 years. She initiated special needs gymnastics classes at the World Class Gymnastics Center in Belleville in 1998 and formed a Special Olympics team the following year. Read More

Special Olympics Like Family to Knights of Columbus

Knights of Columbus lead the Parade of Athletes at 2015 Winter Games Opening Ceremony
In just a few weeks, Knights of Columbus members from Illinois will join Special Olympics athletes from all corners of the state as they compete at SOILL Winter Games at Chestnut Mountain in Galena. It's a relationship that has been going strong for nearly 50 years and one that will continue into the unforeseen future.

The Illinois Knights of Columbus support Special Olympics as a statewide Partner, Gold Medal Sponsor of both Winter and Summer Games, and, in 2015, marked their 10th year sponsoring Area Spring Games to the tune of $1 million over the decade.

Their commitment is not just financial - the Knights provide invaluable support to SOILL on a local, volunteer level. In essence, the Knights of Columbus and Special Olympics are family. Read More
Mom, Son Enjoy First Volunteer Experience
Amy and Lex

By Amanda Akers, Morton

My son, Lex, and I volunteered for the first time with the Special Olympics Illinois. I've done some volunteering in the past with other organizations, but got busy with motherhood and my career. Now that my son is 10 years old, I decided a while back that I needed to share the experience of volunteering with him in the future. So, this past Sunday we volunteered with SOILL at the District E Basketball Tournament at the Shirk Center in Bloomington.

We had an AWESOME experience. And, even though my son was away from his video games for hours on Sunday, he mentioned several times how much fun he was having.
What's Happening in Your Area?
 
Find out what's happening around you by reading news from the following Areas in the January Area News:
  • Area 3
  • Area 6
  • Area 9
  • Area 15
What's Coming Next?

We hope you'll find an event of interest to attend, cheer, volunteer or sponsor:
Thanks to Our State Partners!
Contact:
Special Olympics Illinois State Headquarters
605 E. Willow St., Normal, IL 61761 
309-888-2551 or 1-800-394-0562