Event for Special Olympics inspiring
HUNTLEY — Many inspirational stories could be told among the more than 100 participants in the “Don’t Be Fooled – by a Disability” 5K run held April 6. The effort benefits the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois.
Huntley Deputy Police Chief Amy Williams praised the progress that has been made in not focusing on people’s disabilities but abilities with the focus of the movement on more inclusion. She said there has been great support for the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Huntley.
Huntley High School junior Bella Kurash was one of such examples at the fun run which started at Huntley Town Square. She gave a talk as a Global Messenger for Illinois Special Olympics at her first public speaking event in that role. She learned about Illinois Special Olympics from Special Olympian Bree Bogucki, who sang the National Anthem on Saturday.
“You should give Special Olympics a chance – you’ll have a blast. I enjoy flag football track and bocce ball,” Kurash said.
Kurash led the run as the torch bearer carrying a lit torch to the starting line.
“Bogucki is one individual who has done amazing things,” Williams said.
“I was diagnosed with a form of autism at 5-years-old,” Bogucki said. “I’ve worked hard on the National Anthem, it’s a hard song to learn, but I’ve mastered it. I was very timid and shy before joining Special Olympics. I have become more confident.”
Bogucki has delivered remarks about Special Olympics to thousands of United Airlines employees.
Jim Williams of Lake in the Hills is a Special Olympics athlete who has been playing basketball for several years. “My team finished third last year and has won state,” he said.
Williams was pleased with how the event turned out.
“We are thankful to our sponsor, 1st Choice Physical Therapy and for our community in coming out to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois,” Williams said. “Our Special Olympics athletes truly showed their amazing abilities. It was great having District 158’s first Special Olympics team, the Huntley Hurricanes, participate and be on stage during the group stretching event prior to the start of the run. We are thankful to all of our Special for Olympics Athletes, volunteers, village staff and our sponsor for helping make this event a huge success.”
The next fund-raising event to assist the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run will be the “Cop on Top” on Friday, May 17 at both Dunkin’ Donuts locations in Huntley. Times are 5 a.m. – noon. The doughnut eating contest will be at the Princeton Avenue location at noon.
