St. Coletta's Participants Win Big at the Special Olympics

Tinley Park, IL - With the excitement of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games that recently took place March 14-21, in Abu Dhabi, St. Coletta's had a few of their athletes reach for the gold locally. Several participants took home medals and honors for their participation in the Special Olympics through Orland Park Special Recreation, South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA), and Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA).

The state competition for basketball too place March 15-17, in Bloomington, Illinois, where seven participants competed with over 1,700 athletes. The athletes stayed in the dorms on campus at Illinois State University and participated in other activities held during the three-day event. "I had a lot of fun," stated Noah W., who brought home a silver medal with his team for basketball. "I love winning!" he added.

In total, St. Coletta's participants brought home five silver medals and two bronze medals for basketball. Those who competed in the basketball competition were: Chevas C. (silver); Eric C. (bronze); Greg F. (silver); Cortney J. (silver); Donald P. (silver); Bobby Q. (bronze); and Noah W. (silver).

In addition to the recent competition in basketball, St. Coletta's participants have been competing all year in various events and recently brought home two silver medals, a bronze medal and one 5th place participation ribbon for swimming in March. The state competition will take place in Bloomington, Illinois, in June.

"I can't wait until June," Robert H. stated when talking about his silver medal win in swimming for the 50-meter freestyle. "I"m going to bring home a gold medal this time," he said.

Eric C. also participated in the 50-meter freestyle (silver) and 25-meter freestyle (bronze), and Joe R. competed in the 50-meter freestyle (5th place) and relay (silver).

In December, John B. competed in the state competition for bowling in Peoria and won a bronze medal. "You can't win a gold all the time," he reflected.

"They work so hard, and they deserve it," stated Kim Cappalletti, Director of Social Services "It's such a joy to see the pride on their faces when they compete, especially when they win. They love showing off their medals in the workshop."

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. If you are interested in learning more about St. Coletta's of Illinois or would like to schedule a tour of the Tinley Park facility, please contact Annette Skafgaard at 708-342-5200.

St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 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.