First Time is a Charm for EXCEL Students at State Competition

The 49th Annual Special Olympics Illinois State Championship was held June 9-11 at Illinois State University. District 228’s Special Olympic Team, Team Braves, had four student-athletes qualify and compete in the Summer Games. The team was comprised of Junior Jamira Bohanan, Freshman Hector Martinez, Junior Alberto Soto, and Freshman Deja Voss. This is the first year for Team Braves to qualify for state and only the second year since Team Braves’ creation.

Collectively, Team Braves earned and brought home 2 silver medals and 1 bronze medal, as well as a 4th and 5th Place ribbon! Athletes competed in the female and male 50 meter dash and the female softball throw. Coaches Meredith Madden and Rachel Wnenk are beyond proud of the team and their achievements. “Seeing our team experience state competition together for the first time brought indescribable joy to us. Our goal has always been to provide students with more; more opportunities, more experiences, and more fun. Seeing our team compete at state, when having a D228 Special Olympics team was just an idea two & half-years ago, leaves us speechless. This past weekend is a weekend we will always remember.” explained Coaches Madden and Wnenk.

Team Braves would like to thank all of D228’s family, friends, and staff members who have helped to encourage and support the team. A special thank-you to District 228’s Special Education Coordinator, Mrs. Jacki Frederking and her daughter Kaylee Frederking who joined the team at state and volunteered their time and efforts to cheer-on Team Braves!

For questions regarding Special Olympics and Team Braves, please contact the team’s coaches at (708) 396-8135 and/or by email at mmadden@bhsd228.com or wnenk@bhsd228.com.