Neighbor News
Athletes Take Home More than Medals at Special Olympics
St. Coletta's athletes competed in track and field, swimming and bocce ball to take home 2 golds, 1 bronze, and three 6th-place ribbons.
Tinley Park, IL – In partnership with Lincolnway Special Recreation (LWSRA) and Orland Park Special Recreation, five participants from St. Coletta’s competed in the Special Olympics 2019 Summer Games. The event was held at the Illinois State University campus in Bloomington-Normal June 7-9th. Over 11,000 people attend the Summer Games annually, which includes 2,000 volunteers, 3,300 family members, and 1,600 coaches.
To qualify for the Summer Games, athletes must have competed and won a gold medal at the Spring games or district competitions. Over 4,000 athletes from the state of Illinois competed in six different sports: track and field, gymnastics, swimming, bocce ball, soccer, and powerlifting.
St. Coletta’s athletes competed in bocce ball, swimming, and track and field to bring home a total of two gold medals, one bronze medal, and three 6th-place ribbons. Each participant had a fantastic experience attending the Summer Games, with the excitement still lingering well after the games ended.
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Robert H., who won Gold at the Regional competition in May for the 50m backstroke and the 50m freestyle, had plans to win gold again. “The competition was tough this year, but I had a lot of fun. It was awesome.” Robert went on to earn 6th place ribbons for each event at the Summer Games. “There is always next year,” he continued.
Official Results:
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Brad G: Gold – bocce ball
Chris T: Gold - 800m race walk (5:39.62)
Jennifer L: Bronze – bocce ball
Eric C: 6th place - 100m run (17.57)
Robert H: 6th place - 50m freestyle (59.48); 6th place 50m backstroke (1:17.39)
Director of Social Services Kim Cappelletti loves when the participants return home from competitions. “You can just see the pride on their faces. Whether they bring home a gold medal or a ribbon, there is always a smile on their faces. Just being given the experience, along with the opportunity to compete, brings such joy.” Cappelletti continues, “The participants work so hard to get to the state level. They deserve it.”
St. Coletta's of Illinois, celebrating its 70th year, provides services to over 250 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through educational, vocational and residential programming. To learn more about St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation, please contact the Foundation Office at 708-342-5298 or visit our website at www.stcolettail.org.
