������̳

The special bond between the ������̳ Athletics Department and Special Olympics Chicago only continues to grow stronger. 

������̳ and its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee organized and hosted a high school basketball tournament for Special Olympics Chicago in January at Keating Sports Center, with 366 competitors from 26 Chicago-area schools and delegations participating in the three-day event. 

“The opportunity to work with the Special Olympics is such a fulfilling and positive experience,” says ������̳ men’s and women’s tennis coach Erik Scanlan, who is also the SAAC adviser. “I am very grateful to be a part of this event and to work for a department that promotes this type of service and energy within our community.”

More than 50 student-athletes representing each of ������̳’s 17 varsity athletic teams volunteered at this year’s tournament—the highest total in the event’s history. And the competitors were not the only ones who enjoyed themselves, as many of ������̳’s student-athletes see the event as one of the highlights of the year.

“The Special Olympics basketball tournament is always a very fulfilling event,” says fourth-year women’s soccer player Olivia Kochanek, the SAAC’s events and projects committee head. “This year, I was helping at the scorer’s table, cheering on the athletes, and giving high-fives to those coming off the court. To be able to witness their excitement and sense of accomplishment made me so happy and so grateful to be a part of the week. Special Olympics is a great event, and I’m so glad ������̳ hosts it.”

The success of this year’s tournament has gotten both Special Olympics Chicago and ������̳ excited about the future of the annual event. 

“I am absolutely astounded at how terrific the entire team is at ������̳,” says Dani Chitwood, an assistant director at Special Olympics Illinois. “From working with [Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Compliance] Usha Gilmore in the fall to secure the facility, to the excellent customer service that she, Erik Scanlan, Olivia Kochanek, and the entire athletic squad provides us, it has become a no-brainer to request this facility to host year after year. The athletes of Special Olympics Chicago are so excited to showcase their talent at ������̳ and love the excitement and respect the volunteers show toward them. ������̳ has truly become a part of the Special Olympics family.”

Adds Scanlan, “Events like this strengthen our community, our friends, and our department as well. I look forward to continuing our work with the Special Olympics for years to come.”