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White Sox, Cougars to join in Marklund Summer Games

Southpaw, the Chicago White Sox mascot, Ozzie, the mascot of the Kane County Cougars, and former Sox outfielder Michael Huff will join in the fun at Marklund's annual Summer Games event this Saturday, June 13, in Geneva.

Summer Games is a special field day event for Marklund clients, all of whom have severe and profound disabilities. More than 100 clients will participate in various contests and games assisted by close to 300-plus volunteers and staff.

A special ballgame will kick off the event, with Huff, who still occasionally serves as a television broadcast announcer for the Chicago White Sox, throwing out the first pitch. The game will take place on Marklund's Miracle League ball field, a rubber-surfaced field designed specifically for those who utilize wheelchairs and walkers, which was funded several years ago by White Sox Charities Foundation.

"We are very excited to have special guests from the White Sox and Cougars to help us celebrate our Summer Games," said Marklund president and CEO Gil Fonger. "Everyone should have a chance to play ball, and our guests will allow our clients to have a special time doing just that, while allowing us to fulfill our mission of 'Making Everyday Life Possible for Individuals with Profound Disabilities'."

According to Fonger, Summer Games is Marklund's version of Special Olympics and is a lot of fun for all who participate - clients and volunteers alike. Since Marklund's clients have such profound disabilities, they are not able to participate in actual Special Olympics events. Many of the volunteers at this event will be coming from Christ Community Church in St. Charles, who help out each year.

Summer Games will be held at the Marklund at Mill Creek campus, 1S450 Wyatt Drive in Geneva. A parade of athletes will kick off at 10:15 a.m. during which all clients are brought out from the six residential homes to gather in and around the ball field.

A flag ceremony assisted by local scouts and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post will take place, followed by the official start of the games, assisted by Southpaw and Ozzie. Games and activities are held throughout the campus and will conclude with a picnic for volunteers and staff.

The cow mascot from Chick-fil-A will be on hand to mingle with the athletes and guests as well.

Marklund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of those with special health care needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Marklund annually serves nearly 200 families throughout the greater Chicago area. It has locations in Geneva and Bloomingdale, as well as a resale shop in Wood Dale.

For information, visit www.Marklund.org.

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