Chief Sanders Memorial Golf Outing Saturday Benefits Special Olympics

On Saturday, October 12th golfers will honor the memory of Darrell Sanders with a full day “of camaraderie and charity” and a continuance of the long-time Frankfort police chief’s mission of making a difference in the lives of others, especially when benefitting Special Olympics Illinois.

“Bringing together two of Darrell’s passions – Special Olympics and golf – is the best way to honor a true hero who impacted so many,” said his son Jason Marcordes, one of the organizers. “He would be so pleased to know we are continuing his effort of a lifetime.”

The Chief Sanders Memorial Golf Outing will be held at Lincoln Oaks Golf Course at 395 E Richton Road in Crete, Illinois beginning with an 11:30 a.m. lunch followed by a 12:30 shotgun start. The day will round out at approximately 5:30 with dinner and raffles.

Individual golfers can tee up with a $100 donation; foursomes for $400. Dinner only is priced at $50. Additional options for sponsorship and donations can be found on the registration page: https://tournevents.com/chiefsanders

DARRELL SANDERS' STORY WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Darrell Sanders answered a profound calling in Special Olympics Illinois, following a passion first sparked by his son Brent, whose heartfelt insights drew in his father.

Brent's involvement with the mentally handicapped community, particularly through organizing Olympic-style events, deeply resonated with the senior Sanders. When Brent expressed that true competition lies in “being the best one can be” rather than defeating opponents, his father was moved to action.

Brent's untimely passing in a plane crash further fueled his father’s commitment to Special Olympics Illinois. Sanders tirelessly dedicated himself to various roles within the organization, driven by a desire to honor Brent's memory and embody the spirit of compassion and service.

Despite his demanding responsibilities as police chief, Sanders remained unwavering in his support for Special Olympics Illinois, both locally and internationally. His journey with the organization not only enriched his life but also exemplified the profound impact of selfless dedication and empathy.

Through Darrell's tenacious dedication, his peers witnessed the transformative power of love, loss, and the enduring legacy of a father's bond with his son—a bond that continues today to inspire positive change in the lives of others through Special Olympics Illinois.

As reported in the Chicago Tribune in March of 1987, Sanders went to Austria to help with the law enforcement relay run for the International Special Olympics Winter Games. He coordinated the run, which involved 48 officers from 12 nations running 1,500 miles over 19 days to cover the final leg of bringing the torch to opening ceremonies of the Winter Games. The first-ever final leg was in 1987 when the relay went from Soldier Field to South Bend, Ind., the site of the summer International Olympic Games. Before a national television audience, Sanders carried the torch out of Soldier Field.

“The Special Olympic athlete is the best example of the human spirit that I have ever seen,” Sanders said at the time. “They overcome some of the most difficult challenges in the world. They are also very capable of accomplishing physical feats. But their spirit, their determination, their tenacity that they demonstrate in their athletic competition is only a mirror of what they demonstrate in their personal lives.

“(Volunteering for Special Olympics) is one of the only things that I do in my life that always makes me feel good about myself . . . because they feel good about what they’re doing and you just kind of share it with them,” Sanders said in 1987.

“They could take everything I’ve got, but they cannot take the joy from my heart that watching the Special Olympics athletes compete and accomplish gives me. And that is probably the reason I still do it. I enjoy being involved in the program.”

According to the fundraiser organizers, Sanders was most proud of his induction into the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Hall of Fame, and his role in raising millions of dollars for the cause.

Now, Sanders’ tireless effort to support the organization thrives under the banner of: Chief Sanders Memorial Golf Outing.

For more information on golf and sponsorship, contact the registration page: https://tournevents.com/chiefsanders