Five U-46 students will demonstrate and develop their courage, skills and physical fitness at the 2016 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games. Students are expected to compete, swim and run at the sports competition this weekend beginning Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12 at Illinois State University.

“Students compete at various levels and to get through to the state level is a testament to how hard they work,” said Maureen Lue, U-46 District Coordinator Special Olympics. “The students are beyond excited and we’re looking forward to seeing each of them compete and give their very best.”

The five U-46 students are expected to compete in the following categories:

Aquatics 25M Freestyle & Aquatics 50M Freestyle

• Gwen Cerami – Bartlett
• Tina Hondros – Bartlett

Athletics 200M Run

• Hope Buechner – Elgin
• Ian Fergus – Elgin
• Matthew Kennedy – Bartlett

Special Olympics is a global organization established in 1968 to help children and adults with intellectual disabilities unleash and celebrate their power, joy and human spirit through training and athletic competitions. More than 4,000 athletes will compete in six different sports, as well as coaches, volunteers and family members supporting their athletes along the way. Almost 11,000 people attend the Summer Games annually.

Special People

• WHO: Five U-46 students.
• WHAT: 2016 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games.
• WHERE: 100 N. University St., Normal and various locations in Bloomington-Normal.
• WHEN: All day Friday, June 10, through Sunday, June 12.

SOURCE: U-46 news release