Your news: Fran and Sal Falcone honored for Support of Special Olympics Illinois

Fran and Sal Falcone of Rolling Meadows were recognized as outstanding supporters of Special Olympics Illinois when they were awarded a Maggiano's Hero Award at a dinner and presentation Nov. 30, at Maggiano's Little Italy in Schaumburg.

For the fourth year in a row, Maggiano's Schaumburg has helped Special Olympics Illinois honor key volunteers and supporters in the Chicago area who have made major contributions to Special Olympics. Chris Boden, one of the broadcast team at Comcast SportsNet, was the emcee of the event that also featured Special Olympics Athlete-Global Messenger, Bridget Brown.

Fran and Sal Falcone, parents of athlete Jeffrey Falcone, were recognized for their exceptional volunteer contributions to Special Olympics Illinois. Their volunteer efforts are multifaceted – from helping out in the Special Olympics Rolling Meadows office to serving as chaperones and coaches for Northwest Special Recreation Association which has an extensive Special Olympics training program. After their son graduated from high school, Fran and Sal joined with a few other parents to form their own agency so Jeffrey and his teammates could continue to train and compete together. The Falcones are invaluable to Special Olympics for their tremendous contributions and their long-term enthusiasm and advocacy.

Maggiano's Hero Awards for 2010 were presented to: Carol Kyle of Evergreen Park; Grant & Linda VanKerk of Downers Grove; Brinson Foundation of Chicago; Deerfield High School; Young Professionals Development Board of Chicago; John Nuzzo of Western Springs; Manteno Sportsmen's Club; Fran and Sal Falcone of Rolling Meadows; Jim Cerkleski and Clover Technologies Group of Hoffman Estates; and Don Barry/Beyond the Ivy, Chicago.

Special Olympics Illinois is a nonprofit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for more than 21,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and more than 4,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family support. If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact Special Olympics Illinois at (630) 942-5610 or visit soill.org.

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