Bears' McCaskey kicks off Allendale Association's Summer Olympics
Submitted by Lekas & Levine PR
Following a popular 12-year tradition, Allendale Association recently held its campuswide Summer Olympics for its young residents. Adding to the excitement, Chicago Bears' Chairman George McCaskey officiated at opening day festivities, another much-anticipated tradition.
McCaskey not only led the ceremonial parade - accompanied by a squadron of police cars, courtesy of the Lake Villa Police Department - but stayed to chat with kids and staff at the 121-year old residential facility, a place of healing for children in crisis.
"It was great to see the kids full of team spirit and cheering on their teammates," said McCaskey, who also presided over the first event, tug of war.
The event serves to underscore the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Residents from all nine cottages, as well as Allendale's Benet Lake, Wisconsin facility, kicked off the competition by choosing a country to represent.
The children researched their respective countries' cultures, colors and lifestyles, decorating their cottages and even serving ethnic dishes. This year's chosen countries included Italy, Honduras, Sierra Leone, Uruguay and Botswana, among others.
Every day brought a new wave of activities, including a triathlon, kayak relays and foot races. The activities were planned by Allendale's Therapeutic Recreation team. Many were centered around Cedar Lake, which backs up to Allendale's 120-acre property.
"The kids learned the value of sportsmanship," said Lauren Perry, Allendale's Therapeutic Recreation Manager. "No matter the abilities, everyone was appreciated by their peers and the whole campus came together to support the events."
After each competition, the winners would take their place on a podium crafted by Allendale's talented wood shop students.
"The kids look forward to this all year," said Allendale President Jason Keeler, "and it's a true privilege having Mr. McCaskey come to our campus. To have the chairman of the Chicago Bears take time out of his busy schedule to spend an afternoon with the kids demonstrates not only his commitment to community but made all of our kids feel valued and special. I cannot express enough what that meant to our kids."
• To submit Your news with one photo, go to dailyherald.com/share. To submit Your news with multiple photos, send it to nbrcalender@dailyherald.com.