Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit every day through the transformative power and joy of sport. Through programming in sports, health, education, leadership and community building, Special Olympics is creating a new world of inclusion – building a culture that accepts and welcomes every single person, regardless of ability or disability. Special Olympics Illinois offers sports training and competitions year-round in 18 Olympic-style sports. Currently, the statewide program serves more than 23,000 athletes (6,000 in the City of Chicago) and over 17,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Through sports, our athletes celebrate their abilities, not their disabilities. Their world opens with acceptance and understanding, while becoming confident and empowered by their accomplishments. They make new friends, joining the most inclusive community on the planet – a global community that’s growing every day. Read below to learn more.

How long have you been in the neighborhood?

Two months

Why the West Loop?

We wanted something with room to get in and out [of] and [for it to] be centrally located.

What are your top challenges in growing your business?

We potentially have 53,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, that could be athletes, in the city of Chicago. Six thousand of them are Special Olympics Illinois athletes. We want to grow our programming in the city to reach more athletes.

Why did you join the West Central Association?

Our Chicago headquarters resides in the West Loop and we want to get to know our neighbors and grow together.

What makes your business unique?

Special Olympics Illinois is the only accredited Special Olympics chapter in the State of Illinois as affirmed by Special Olympics International.

What gets you up in the morning?

Serving our athletes, those with intellectual disabilities through sport as well as promoting inclusion of all people no matter what their differences may be.

What’s your favorite part of the West Loop? 

[We] love the vibe and businesses, access to the expressways and [how] easy [it is to get] in and out.

What does the future look like?

With 220 chapters globally, Special Olympics Illinois will be the model of urban programming; other large cities throughout the world will emulate its growth in Chicago.

Describe your business in 140 characters or less 

Provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy. [We want them to] participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Bonus Question: Tell us a fun fact about you or your business!

With over 110,000 competitions around the world on a yearly basis, of which 200+ are in Illinois, it all started with the first Special Olympics games at Soldier Field on July 20, 1968.