HR0302 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0302 LRB104 13294 ECR 25533 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois House of Representatives wishes to celebrate the achievements of the Illinois athletes, coaches, law enforcement officers, and representatives who proudly competed and served as part of the Special Olympics USA delegation at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy; and

WHEREAS, The Special Olympics World Games is the largest international sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities, drawing over 1,500 athletes from around the globe to compete in eight winter sports, including alpine skiing, cross country skiing, dancesport, figure skating, floorball, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and short track speed skating; and

WHEREAS, The Special Olympics USA delegation was comprised of more than 160 athletes, coaches, and staff representing 42 states, including outstanding individuals from Illinois who embodied the spirit of sportsmanship, excellence, service, and inclusion; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois delegation to Team USA was led by Coach Jim Bluemond of Geneva; the Team USA athletes included Daniel Johnson of Normal, Mallory Marvin of Libertyville, and Brandon Waller of Palatine, who all competed in the sport of snowshoeing, proudly representing Illinois on the world stage; and

WHEREAS, These Illinois athletes showcased exceptional talent and determination, achieving inspiring results, which included Brandon Waller capturing the gold medal in the 800 meters and the silver medal in the 400 meters, Mallory Marvin earning a bronze medal in the 50 meters and finishing fourth in the 25 meters, narrowly missing the medal podium in a thrilling photo finish, and Daniel Johnson taking home the silver medal in the 400 meters and placing fourth in the 800 meters, delivering a remarkable final push to close the race; and

WHEREAS, Coach Jim Bluemond provided outstanding leadership and mentorship throughout the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, playing an instrumental role in the team's preparation, unity, and success; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics was proudly represented by Dennis Walker, Robbi Peterson, and Bill Devine who had the honor of carrying the Eternal Flame of Hope at the World Games, serving as global ambassadors for inclusion and the enduring partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics; and

WHEREAS, Rich Howe, also from Illinois, served as an official photographer for the 2025 World Games, capturing the power and emotion of the competition and preserving the legacy of these athletes and this historic global celebration of inclusion; and

WHEREAS, The achievements and contributions of these athletes, coaches, law enforcement representatives, and volunteers are a testament to their dedication and passion and the power of the Special Olympics movement to uplift individuals and communities; and

WHEREAS, The accomplishments of these remarkable individuals bring pride to our State and illustrate the life-changing impact of the Special Olympics movement, which fosters inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Illinois members of Team USA who represented our State with honor at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Jim Bluemond, Daniel Johnson, Mallory Marvin, Brandon Waller, Dennis Walker, Robbi Peterson, Bill Devine, and Rich Howe as symbols of our esteem and respect.