Read on for exciting updates, event invites, and athlete stories!

26.2 miles of support!

This year's Bank of America Chicago Marathon did not disappoint! More than 125 athletes from 13 states hit the pavement in honor of Special Olympics Chicago, while athletes and families lined the streets to cheer these dedicated runners. The weather was gorgeous, the city skyline picturesque, and the infectious energy of participants like our all-star duo, Peter Ruiz and Peter Kline (pictured right) truly made our day.
 
'Team Peter' accomplished something exceptional as one of six runner/rider teams ever to participate in the Chicago Marathon. Peter Kline, financial advisor with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, ran with wheelchair rider, Welles Park athlete Peter Ruiz, the full 26.2 miles. Mr. Kline's inspiration for building this dynamic duo? "I'm trying to do what I can to expose the fact that you can do more and experience more than people give you credit for."  Read the recent DNAinfo feature on Team Peter.
 
In addition to 12 Subway employees, we were also honored to include board member Alderman Matt O'Shea, prominent local leader and dedicated champion for our athletes, on our team roster as well. Recently Alderman O'Shea sat down with NBC Chicago's Carol Marin to share his marathon journey and highlight our athletes who inspire him every day. Watch the full interview here.
 
A heartfelt thank you to all of our runners, riders, volunteers, and supporters who made this year's Chicago Marathon our best one yet.  A big thank you to Bank of America for all that their support  makes possible throughout the year!
Celebrating Regional Play

Recently, we brought 500 athletes from around Illinois together for our Special Olympics Chicago Flag Football Invitational. The days' activities focused on Flag Football Skills and Competition, but more importantly, enabled our athletes to demonstrate their commitment to hard work and push the limits on what they could accomplish. We are proud to provide our athletes opportunities for regional play and to celebrate the core tenets of our mission. Special thanks to UIC for hosting this wonderful event!
Did You Catch Lady Gaga on  The Tonight Show?

Our good friend Lady G sat down with leading funny man, Jimmy Fallon, to discuss our #ChicagPolarPlunge and the importance of joining together to support our athletes. In her opinion, the cold and minor discomfort (and frozen hair) experienced are a signal to all those with disabilities that they are supported.  We couldn't have said it better ourselves! We hope you will join the ranks of Plunge alums like Lady Gaga, Jimmy Fallon, and Vince Vaughn for our 2016 Chicago Polar Plunge on Sunday, March 6.  Stay posted for details!  
Attention Corporate Partners - Join us at our annual breakfast!

We are honored to host a delicious breakfast celebrating the power of collaboration and the difference our partners make for children and adults with disabilities. We invite you to join Mayor Rahm Emanuel and other prominent civic leaders for a meaningful program on Friday, November 6. Special thanks to City Club of Chicago and Maggiano's for their support. We hope to see you there! 
Save the Date:
Touchdown for 
Special Olympics Chicago!

Break out your favorite jersey and get ready to Bear Down for Special Olympics Chicago this football season! Join our Associate Board as they host the 8th annual Bears viewing party at Bernies Chicago on Monday, November 9.
 
Associate Board Chair, Connor Kelly, shared his excitement, "Our Associate Board is looking forward to another fun event as we gather to watch the Chicago Bears take on the San Diego Chargers. All are welcome to join us and enjoy appetizers and a great bar package as we cheer our Bears to a victory and support the talented athletes of Special Olympics Chicago!"
Chicago Rolls out Red Carpet for World Games Athletes

We love when our athletes get the recognition and celebration they deserve. Recently our World Games Athletes received the red carpet treatment at several local events! This fall,  Chicago Park District athletes Keith Tyler, Antonio Williams, Michael Henderson, and Israel Rivera were honored at the City Council Meeting, the Cook County Council Meeting, and at a home Cubs game. We are so proud of these superstars and all that they have accomplished!
Program Highlight: 
Soccer 

More than 400 athletes enjoyed a great day of competition at our annual soccer event held at Warren Park on Saturday, October 17. A special thanks to KemperLesnick for providing a great group of volunteers!

SCC/Special Olympics Chicago | 312-527-3743| scc@sochicago.org | www. sochicago.org
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