Bolingbrook Student Wins Two Gold Medals at State Special Olympics Winter Games

Editor's Note: The following is a release from the Valley View School District.

Sally Davidek is a two-time state champion.

The eighth grader earned Illinois Special Olympics Winter Games gold medals in both the 50-meter and the 100-meter snowshoe event Feb. 4 in competition at Chestnut Mountain near Galena.

“We’re all pretty proud of Sal,” said mom, Kelly Davidek, adding her husband, Bill, “is beyond proud.”

Sally shyly admits it feels “good” to be a state champ and that it “makes me happy.”

But, while she is now a state snowshoeing champion, swimming is still her favorite sport. She competed in swimming during the Special Olympics Summer Games last summer.

Asked how she prepared for the Winter Games, she said “I exercise.”

To get to the state games, Sally had to win at the regional level in Bartlett Jan. 7.

Because of the mild winter, there was no snow on the ground so the events became running events.

“I wish there was snow,” Sally said.

While there was no real snow at Chestnut Mountain earlier this month, the event was run on man-made snow and Sally cruised to victory in 21.74 for the 50-meter event and 38.97 for the 100-meter event.

“It was the first time any of our (Joliet Bolingbrook Special Recreation Association) team had been on snow this season,” Kelly Davidek said.

“When I found out she won, I choked up because she’s like a daughter to me,” said Gulrose “Rose” Nickles, her one-on-one paraparo at Humphrey. “I care deeply for her.”

For now, it’s back to classes for the champ, who says social studies is her favorite subject and Humphrey’s Lego Club is one of her favorite activities. But she can’t wait for the Summer Games and then next year’s Winter Games so she can return to defend her titles.