Special Olympics athletes get a shopping spree at Yorktown
Alejandro Bueno is a great runner, a hardworking basketball player and a silent leader.
Those are just a few of the reasons why his coaches nominated him to be the recipient of a $100 Finish Line shopping spree.
The Addison Trail High School senior was one of six Special Olympics athletes invited Tuesday to pick out whatever they wanted in the Yorktown Center store in Lombard.
“We were really excited because he's one of those students who never asks for anything, he never wants for anything,” said Melissa Morales, a special-education teacher and coach who accompanied Bueno.
“I think the fact that he has this opportunity to be treated like a celebrity is good for him, it boosts his confidence,” she said
Bueno and the other athletes were greeted with cheers, high-fives, ringing cowbells and a barrage of photographs before being paired with store employees who served as their personal shoppers.
He walked out of the store with a new pair of Air Jordans, a blue sweatshirt, some socks and a Bulls winter hat.
“They're extremely excited,” said store manager Osvaldo Martir. “They're just like any other athlete: they win, they get excited. They have the same type of feelings we have. It's great to see the expression on their face, just like you would with anyone else who wins something”
Shelley Chenoweth, director of corporate partnerships for Special Olympics Illinois, said Finish Line has sponsored shopping sprees for the past three years.
Special Olympics employees sort through the nominations to select recipients.
“The athletes have an amazing time picking out shoes,” she said.
“Many of them don't have a pair of shoes, or only have one pair of shoes, that they can participate in Special Olympics with and getting a new pair of shoes is something they've never had before, so it means a lot to them,” she said.
On the other side of the store, Michelle Coleman showed off her new purple shoes.
She said she will use them to play bocce and floor hockey with Special Olympics.
Like Bueno, Coleman was described as a quiet person who does a lot for her team without being asked.
“We have an athlete who is very difficult, and she will partner up with him in bocce. It keeps him in line, helps him stay focused and I really appreciate that,” said Kathryn Thomas, a special recreation coordinator who works with Coleman at Veterans Park District in Northlake.
Other athletes who participated in the shopping spree were Dennis Fones from the Downers Grove District 99 transitional program; Tori Miller from Lyons Township High School; Davis Russ, also of Veterans Park District; and Ailyn Olas Coaga from Hester Junior High in Franklin Park.
“Our athletes don't always get recognition ... so it's nice when a group like this recognizes them and is kind to them,” Thomas said.