Marian Hosts Special Olympics' Youngest Athletes

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Marian Catholic High School hosted the Region E Culminating Event for the Young Athletes of Special Olympics last week in an event that drew more than 150 athletes between the ages of 2 and 7 from Cook, Will, and Grundy counties to compete in the games.

Traditionally, Special Olympics athletes must be 8 years old to compete, but the Young Athletes program permits young children with and without intellectual disabilities to play to introduce them into the world of sports and to prepare them for competing in the traditional Special Olympics competitions when they are older.

Marian Catholic's students lent emotional support to the athletes by making posters for each child and participating in an Opening Ceremony that included a torch relay with Chicago Heights police officer escorts. The students lined the path holding posters, pinwheels and ribbon wands to
encourage the young athletes. Seniors volunteered to organize and oversee the individual activities.

“Involving the students in the day helps them gain a sense of appreciation for all people, regardless of their limitations and celebrate their ‘abilities’ rather than focus on their ‘disabilities,’ said Denise Iggins, Faculty Coordinator of Marian Catholic’s Discovery in Service Program in a statement.“It is an opportunity to show respect and inclusion towards all.”

This is the fourth year Marian Catholic has hosted the event.