Team Illinois competed in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey from June 14 through the 21st. Over that week Team Illinois garnered incredible achievements earning them medals and new friendships with athletes from across the nation.
Sean Tovey of Wheaton served as the powerlifting coach for Team Illinois, and his Athletes found much success in New Jersey.
On Monday, June 16, the first Illinois athlete won to win a medal at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games was powerlifter John Henley. He won four medals in one day– a bronze for benchpress and silvers in squat, deadlift and triple combo.
Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Later in the week powerlifter Michael Walters won Silver in benchpress, silver in deadlift, silver in squat and silver in combination, Christopher Baumann won Silver in benchpress, Gold in deadlift and Silver in combination, and Amelia Hernandez took 4th place in benchpress, deadlift and in her combination.
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.
Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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.
