Summer Games spark fun at Marklund

Posted June 17, 2015 11:00 pm

Submitted by Marklund

White Sox mascot Southpaw and former Sox outfielder Mike Huff help Marklund client and Sox fan Michael K. catch the opening pitch during Marklund's annual Summer Games event in Geneva. Courtesy of Marklund

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

It is a special field day event for Marklund clients, all of whom have severe and profound disabilities. More than 100 clients participate in various contests and games assisted by more than 200 volunteers and staff. Many volunteers come from Christ Community Church in St. Charles, which helps out each year. State Rep. Keith Wheeler (50th District) also joined in the festivities. Other special guests included Chick-fil-A mascot Mr. Cow, Maggie the Clown, and the four-legged friends from Rainbow Pet Therapy.

A special ballgame kicked off the event, with Huff, who still occasionally serves as a television broadcast announcer for the White Sox, throwing out the first pitch.

The game was held on Marklund at Mill Creek's Miracle League ball field, a rubber-surfaced field designed specifically for those who utilize wheelchairs and walkers. It was funded several years ago by White Sox Charities Foundation.

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.

A parade of athletes kicked off the event when the clients are brought out from the six residential homes to gather in and around the ball field. A flag ceremony was led by local Scouts and Veterans of Foreign Wars members. The day concluded with a picnic for volunteers and staff.

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.

With the help of volunteers and therapy staff, Marklund client Ashley N. makes her way to the finish line of the walking race at Marklund Summer Games while Ozzie T. Cougar of the Kane County Cougars cheers her on. Courtesy of Marklund

Marklund client Brad M. is steady with concentration as he maneuvers his power wheelchair to the finish line in one of the events at Marklund's Summer Games June 13 as volunteers and staff cheer the athletes on. Courtesy of Marklund

With the assistance of Summer Games volunteers Craig Brueske, Trisha Nickrandt and Brett Brueske, Marklund client Heather D. prepares to launch a water balloon across the playing field. Courtesy of Marklund

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