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Community Corner

Palatine's Karlee Darow Shines in USA Games

Team Illinois competed in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey from June 14th through the 21st. Over that week Team Illinois garnered incredible achievements earning them medals and new friendships with athletes from across the nation.

Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Karlee Darow of Palatine has many accomplishments to celebrate this June. Earlier this month she graduated from high school. She then went on to take Silver in vault, Silver in uneven bars, Bronze in balance beam, Silver in floor exercise and 4th Place in All-Around as a Team Illinois Gymnast in the USA Games.

The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games was the largest national games undertaking ever in the United States. Nearly 3,500 athletes competed in 16 Olympic-style team and individual sports. The athletes were supported by 1,000 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and an anticipated 70,000 spectators. Team Illinois sent a delegation of 52 athletes, 6 Unified Partners and 15 coaches from all over the state.

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Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 18,500 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms lives by empowering people with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.  If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org.

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