FRANKFORT, IL — The Team Illinois Unified Volleyball clinched silver at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games last week.
The Illinois team, which included Frankfort resident Jimmy Moustis, earned silver against Ohio.
Unifed Partner Arik Sorensen of Joliet received the Spirit of Unified Sports Award for demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship, inclusion, and the true spirit of teamwork at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, according to a news release.
Moustis has been involved with Special Olympics since 2006, and he works in the maintenance department for Frankfort Township.
"Special Olympics has helped James stay focused, patient, and committed to supporting his team. He is proud of always giving his best effort and encouraging his teammates during competition," according to Special Olympics Illinois.
Special Olympics Unified Sports pairs athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team to compete together, a news release states.
Team Illinois' Unified Volleyball delegation is made up of athletes and Unified Partners from several Special Olympics Illinois teams across the state, all coming together to form the USA Games team. A majority of team members are from the southwest suburbs of Chicago, a news release shares.
The Special Olympics USA Games ran from June 20-26.
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