CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (August 20, 2024) — Special Olympics Illinois is proud to announce four Illinois athletes have been selected to join the Special Olympics USA delegation at the 2025 Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy. These athletes will compete on the world stage from March 8-16, 2025, showcasing their abilities and representing Illinois with pride.
The athletes representing Special Olympics Illinois are:
- Michael Barry of Monmouth, Illinois, will compete in Alpine skiing
- Daniel Johnson of Normal, Illinois, will compete in snow-shoeing
- Mallory Marvin of Libertyville, Illinois, will compete in snow-shoeing
- Brandon Waller from Palatine, Illinois, will compete in snow-shoeing
These dedicated athletes have trained tirelessly to reach this level of competition, and their participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games is a testament to their hard work, determination, and passion for their sports.
Traveling to Turin as part of the Special Olympics USA delegation will be Special Olympics Illinois coach Jim Bluemond of Geneva, Illinois, who will serve as a snow-shoeing coach for the team. Additionally, Special Olympics Illinois staff member, Carolyn Cronin of Mount Prospect, Illinois, will serve virtually as a sports manager during the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Special Olympics USA is sending a 160-member delegation to Turin, comprising 101 athletes and Unified partners, 32 coaches, and 27 delegation members who will support team operations. The delegation will compete in eight sports, including Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, DanceSport, figure-skating, floorball, snow-boarding, snow-shoeing, and speed-skating. The event will bring together over 1,500 athletes from 103 countries, all competing in the spirit of inclusion, equality, and excellence.
Brock Banos, Head of Delegation for Special Olympics USA, expressed his pride in the athletes, stating, "Attending the World Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these athletes and Unified partners. It’s the culmination of years of dedication and commitment. As they compete on the global stage, they will also experience new cultures, create countless memories, and build lifelong friendships. We encourage everyone to cheer for Special Olympics USA and celebrate the achievements of these incredible athletes.”
Special Olympics Illinois President and CEO Pete Beale-DelVecchio added, "We are incredibly proud of athletes Michael, Daniel, Mallory, Brandon, Coach Jim, and team member Carolyn. Their achievements inspire us all and reflect the spirit of Special Olympics Illinois. We know they will represent our country with honor and showcase the inclusive community of our state."
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 is a flagship event of the Special Olympics movement, promoting inclusion and acceptance through sport. ESPN will provide extensive coverage of the Games, bringing action and inspiring stories to viewers around the world.
For more information on the Special Olympics USA delegation and the World Winter Games, please visit specialolympicsusa.org.
For delegation headshots, click here.
About Special Olympics Illinois
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in eighteen sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership, and personal development.
If you are interested in being a part of Special Olympics Illinois and its vision, contact your local region, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at soill.org. Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.
