Earlier this month, we sponsored a fun and educational trip for four of our athletes. Chicago Park District, Special Olympics Administrator Eileen Guinane wrote about their trip:

Special Olympics Chicago athletes traveled to Oregon June 3–June 11 to participate in the Spectrum Ski Camp at Mt.Hood. This camp was started to give athletes with intellectual disabilities the same training opportunities that other elite skiers have. Connor Fallon from Norwood Park, Matt Gorski from Shabbona Park, Israel Rivera from Loyola Park, and Guy Conners from Mt. Greenwood Park joined coaches and athletes from 8 other states and spent 6 days skiing the face of Mt. Hood! Athletes worked on technique and were able to get more experience in different types of snow. They learned how to wax their skis and worked on them each night to prepare them for the next day. Coaches took video of athletes on the mountain each day so that athletes could see what they needed to work on and this was really helpful for the skiers! Camp coaches were amazed at the skill level of our Chicago team and each day our skiers improved! They left camp with new skills, confidence, a bunch of new friends from across the country, and overall, great memories!

Aside from skiing, athletes were able to explore and hike some of the beautiful places that Oregon has to offer. A great time was had by all and this was made possible by the generous supporters of Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children’s Charities! There was no cost to any of the athletes to attend. They worked hard all week and really showed that our midwest team could hold their own out west! Thank you for providing this opportunity! The Special Olympics Chicago Ski Team is making a name for itself across the nation!