05.03.24

Durbin Attends Special Olympics Chicago Opening Ceremony

CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today attended the Opening Ceremony for the Special Olympics Chicago and Special Children’s Charities Spring Games, where more than 2,000 athletes will compete.

“From the fields and courts in Illinois to the international stage, the Special Olympics Games foster respect, inclusion, and acceptance for people across all abilities,” said Durbin. “I’m honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with these athletes, their families, and the entire Special Olympics community as we continue to champion the values of equality and opportunity for all.”

Durbin secured $600,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS)—more commonly known as an earmark—in the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) government funding bill forSpecial Olympics Chicago and Special Children’s Charitiesto continue program offerings developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including non-athletic opportunities forparticipants such as cooking and art classes.

Special Olympics Chicago provides year-round athletic sports training and athletic competition for children and adults in Chicago with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Special Children’s Charities funds the Special Olympics Chicago programs, which are administered in 24 park locations by the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Schools, and various agencies throughout the City of Chicago.

-30-