Special Olympics Illinois
We
are an active supporter of Special
Olympics Illinois.
Since 1996, IMAWA members have been supporting Special Olympics Illinois with a charity auction and other fundraisers at their annual conventions and at the grassroots level to meet the needs of the organization. Combined efforts of the annual IMAWA fundraisers plus Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby activities have raised more than $179,000 from the moving and storage industry in Illinois for this very worthwhile organization that serves more than 22,000 athletes each year.
The fundraiser for 2010 was a raffle raising $5,245 to help send the Illinois delegation of athletes to the 2nd Special Olympics USA National Games. Marcy Bobell, an athlete competing in National Games and also Global Messenger, drew the winning ticket and also gave a great speech thanking IMAWA for their support.
IMAWA is also very pleased and proud to receive the 2010 Chairman's Award from Special Olympics Illinois recognizing our association's support of this terrific organization since 1996.
In 2008 and 2009, the movers of Illinois raised $69,000 (plus in-kind contributions of deliveries and warehouse space) for the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby in Chicago, an event that each year helps fund activities for more 22,000 athletes throughout Illinois. [Special recognition goes to National Van Lines, which participates annually as Silver Sponsor.]
In 2006 IMAWA sent a contingent of athletes to the very first National Games in Ames Iowa.
Our association members have sponsored events at various events throughout the state since 1997, including the State Volleyball Tournament; Power Lifting Sponsor at frequent Summer Games; and Sports Carnival sponsor for 2001 and 2002. In June 1999, IMAWA sponsored Illinois athlete Mirsada Kunica to the Special Olympics World Games in North Carolina. She came come with 3 gold medals and 1 silver medal!! It's been our pleasure to welcome Global Messengers to address the membership at several of our statewide association conventions.
Many of our members are active partners in their own communities for Special Olympics, participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge, Truck Convoy, truck pulls, and providing volunteer hours and assistance with transportation and storage needs.
Special Olympics celebrated its 41st anniversary in 2009. In July, 1968, the first Special Olympics games were held at Soldier Field in Chicago with 1,000 athletes from the U.S. and Canada, providing a platform for children with intellectual disabilities to showcase their abilities for the first time. Today, Special Olympics serves more than 2.5 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 180 countries. Year-round competitions are held in up to 30 summer and winter sports, giving athletes the world over the opportunity to demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other athletes, and the community.
