Seven U-46 students headed to Illinois Special Olympics' Summer Games

The Elgin Area School District U-46 Bluestars swimming and track and field teams are sending seven students to compete in the 2018 Summer Games of the Illinois Special Olympics in Bloomington-Normal from June 15-17.

The students qualified for state by earning a first place in the regional competition of their sport, following an eight-week practice season.

The Summer Games are expected to draw more than 4,000 athletes who will also compete in soccer, gymnastics, bocce, and weightlifting.

"It's a great opportunity to celebrate the success of our students. It's a coveted honor to participate in the Summer Games, so this is very exciting," said Sarah Domin, a U-46 physical therapist who serves as a bowling, basketball, and track and field coach for the Bluestars. Lindsey Reynolds, also a physical therapist, is the team's coordinator.

The games are held primarily on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal; a variety of activities are provided for the participants in addition to the sports competitions and opening ceremony.

"It's a very fun atmosphere not only for the students but also for their parents and siblings and members of the general community who come out to enjoy the events and celebration," Domin said.

The first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held at Soldier Field in Chicago in July 1968. The nonprofit, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is the largest sports organization in the world for people with intellectual disabilities. Today, almost 5 million athletes from 172 countries participate.

Jeremy Johnson, who just finished his ninth grade year at Streamwood High School, will be competing in the 50-meter run of the Illinois Summer Games. His mother, Cheryl Johnson, said Jeremy likes the social part of being a part of the Bluestars. But for his parents, the fact that Jeremy wants to run is a victory itself; he has Down syndrome in addition to orthopedic issues that have required braces, casts, and the use of walkers and wheelchairs.

"Jeremy almost lost both of his legs, so for him to want to participate in walking or running events is pretty cool," Johnson said. "If we're shopping in a store, he might say he's in pain. But when the race starts in Special Olympics, you wouldn't know he's had any issues."

Jeremy actually participated in the 100-meter run at the Summer Games six years ago; at that time, he was competing against an older student who got scared by the starting gun used to signal the beginning of the race. Jeremy was near the finish line when he turned around, ran back and encouraged the other student to race with him. His mother said she still gets goosebumps when she thinks about it.

"That's what it all should be about," Johnson said.

In addition to Jeremy Johnson, the following students also will compete this weekend. The students' noted grade levels are those from the 2017-18 school year:

• Ozzy Hernandez, 18, in the Center House Transition Program, will be swimming the 100-meter breaststroke and 100-meter freestyle;

• Constantina "Tina" Hondros, seventh grade, Canton Middle School, will be swimming the 25-meter freestyle and 50-meter freestyle;

• Vincent "Vinny" Leal, eighth grade, Kenyon Woods Middle School, will be competing in the 100-meter run;

• James Leveille, second grade, Horizon Elementary School, will be competing in the 100-meter run;

• Jackson Miller, ninth grade, Larkin High School, will be competing in the 200-meter run;

• Syed Raza, 11th grade, Bartlett High School, will be competing in the 200-meter run.