SEASPAR Participant Receives State Award

Submitted by SEASPAR.

Downers Grove, IL - At the Illinois Association of Park Districts Annual Meeting in Chicago on Jan. 30, Chairman Diane Main presented the association’s 2016 Chairman’s Award to SEASPAR participant Michele Forzley to recognize her personal achievements and community service.

Forzley, a Westmont resident, began participating in SEASPAR programming in the year 2000 at the age of 14. A dedicated athlete, Forzley has been involved in a variety of SEASPAR’s Special Olympics sports over the years, including basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, softball, and volleyball.

In 2004, Forzley was selected as SEASPAR’s Athlete of the Year. Two years later, she represented Team Illinois at the Special Olympics USA National Summer Games in the golf (traditional 9-hole) competition.

For the last three years, Forzley has qualified for and competed in the Special Olympics Illinois golf competition at the annual Outdoor Sports Festival, medaling in her division each of those years. As a defensive specialist in volleyball, she has also contributed to SEASPAR’s team advancing to the Special Olympics Illinois tournament at the Fall Games the last three years.

Forzley is also a Special Olympics Global Messenger, giving presentations about her involvement and raising awareness of the program throughout Illinois.

However, Forzley’s involvement with SEASPAR and the community is not limited to athletics. Forzley is also part of SEASPAR’s EAGLES adult day program as well as an active member of the SEASPAR Kiwanis Aktion Club, having served as treasurer, competed in speech competitions, and contributed to all club projects.

During Kiwanis Peanut Days, Forzley is especially motivated to bring in funds that can be donated to her favorite charities. She is a vocal advocate for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

As Chairman Main presented Forzley with the IAPD award, she stated, “Michele is a fine example of one of the many people who have learned, grown, and excelled in recreation programs while growing up and as an adult. She has become a wonderful young woman – active in the community and serving the community, and serving children around the country and the world.”

The IAPD is a nonprofit service, research, and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, conservation, municipal park and recreation, and special recreation agencies. For more information about the IAPD, visit ILparks.org.

For more information about SEASPAR, visit SEASPAR.org or call 630-960-7600.

Photo Credit: SEASPAR

Photo Caption: Pictured from left: Dean Bissias, Park District of La Grange; Louise Egofske, Lemont Park District; Susan Friend, SEASPAR; Matt Corso, SEASPAR; Michelle Forzley; Mark Forzley; Kathy Forzley; Cathy Morava, SEASPAR; Kelly Smith, Clarendon Hills Park District; Diane Main, Illinois Association of Park Districts.