Olympics
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Special Olympics role leads to teaching passion for Hoffman Estates teenJun 12, 2014 1:01 am - Carina Valencia remembers the moment. The 19-year-old was trying to teach a special-needs student a certain way to kick a soccer ball really, really far one afternoon ou...
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After nine trips to state, gymnast ready for USA GamesJun 12, 2014 1:01 am - Janna Blowers' passion for gymnastics started at the age of 5. After competing in Special Olympics for 11 years, the 19-year-old will be representing Illinois at the Spe...
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Teen's passion for soccer culminates in trip to USA GamesJun 12, 2014 1:01 am - Like most Olympians, 17-year-old Matthew Sommerer of Hoffman Estates has spent near a lifetime preparing to compete at the highest levels. In his case, that will be play...
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Schaumburg Special Olympian a true team playerJun 12, 2014 1:01 am - Nick Joseph was scoring at will during a seventh-grade Special Olympics basketball game when his coach gave him an ultimatum. Because his team was winning comfortably, a...
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No words needed to see Gurnee swimmer's passion for the sportJun 12, 2014 1:01 am - Gurnee resident Alex Dmytrenko's smile made it clear he was enjoying another practice session in the pool for 100-meter backstroke and freestyle events in advance of the...
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Crystal Lake Special Olympian runs 'like lightning'Jun 12, 2014 1:01 am - After a three-year hiatus from Special Olympics, Brent Kampert's comeback in the sport he loves - running - was "like lightning." Kampert, 28, of Crystal Lake will be co...
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Suburban Special Olympians going for gold at USA GamesJun 12, 2014 1:00 am - You won't see them interviewed by Bob Costas live from an NBC studio, catch highlights of their exploits on ESPN, or even find their results on your favorite sports site...
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Ex-Olympian swims with suburban kids at StevensonJun 11, 2014 5:30 am - Six years have passed since swimming legend Dara Torres last competed in the Olympics, but the California native showed she's still in fine form Tuesday when she joined ...
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Japan Olympics organizers review Tokyo 2020 plansJun 10, 2014 1:01 am - TOKYO - Japan's Olympics organizers said Tuesday they are reviewing their plans for the venues of Tokyo's 2020 Summer Games due to concerns about cost. Tokyo Gov. Yoichi...
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Olympic star Van Dyken severs spine in accidentJun 09, 2014 1:01 am - SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Six-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Amy Van Dyken severed her spine in an all-terrain vehicle accident over the weekend, and she told emergency wo...