By Mark Weyermuller –
The weather was a little cold until the sun miraculously came out Friday morning as 5000 athlete, supporters and volunteers gathered at Soldier Field on the Chicago Lakefront for the 48th Annual Special Olympics Chicago Spring Games 2016's opening ceremony. One of the themes this year is "Anything is Possible."
The morning started with a VIP reception in the United Club of this historic stadium, which is also home to the Chicago Bears. The event was hosted by James "Skinny Sheahan," who is well known for his involvement in the annual Chicago "Polar Plunge" to raise money for the Special Olympics. Sheahan has raised thousands of dollars by jumping into Lake Michigan's frigid waters in February. "Plungers" such as Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Late Night Host Jimmy Fallon, Chicago actor Vince Vaughn, the cast of the Chicago Fire television show and even Lady Gaga have joined Sheahan over the years in his efforts.
This year, former Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and Chicago Blackhawks ambassador Dennis Sevard were named honorary head coaches for the Special Olympics competition. The politicians and dignitaries were seated on the stage for the parade of athletes. Ozzie Guillen got excited and left his seat to stand in the parade route to high five each athlete as they marched by. I think Ozzie was truly more excited then the kids. I can see why he is a great coach and an inspiration to his players.
Kevin Magnuson spoke to the crowd and gave out the Keith Magnuson Spirit award. Kevin's father was a former Chicago Blackhawks' legend that was involved in promoting the Special Olympics for 25 years before his death in 2003. This year the award was given to Lindblom Math & Science Academy.
After the reception, we headed to the field to watch the parade of athletes. It was truly exciting and inspirational to witness this event and the passion of the athletes, volunteers, families and supporters. The athletes ran onto Soldier Field to the sound of spectators' cheers through the same tunnel the Chicago Bears use on game days.
After the opening parade, the on field program included speeches, music, awards, and even the Jesse White Tumbling Team. Other notables in the crowd Illinois Supreme Judge Anne Burke with her husband longtime Alderman Ed Burke, Chicago Park Superintendent Michael Kelly, Chicago Schools CEO Forest Claypool, anthem soloist Wayne Messmer, Secretary of State Jesse White, and Dave Breen is the president/CEO of Special Olympics Illinois and Mary Davis from Special Olympics International.
Another interesting event just a few blocks away was the NFL Draft Day Celebration built around Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. An unfortunate sign of the times were 35 snow plows parked around the parameter for security reasons. Thousands of people are attending this event.
The track and field competitions for Special Olympics 2016 will be held starting May 2, Tuesday thru Friday at Eckersall Stadium. More information can be found at this link: http://sochicago.org
The event ended with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, officially starting the games. This was done by the Law Enforcement Torch Runners as they did a lap around the field with the Olympic flame. This was followed by the Olympic Oath recited by all the athletes:
Let me win
But, If I cannot win
Let me be brave
In the Attempt.
Mark with former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen
