By Mark Weyermuller -
How can you not get chills as athletes come running onto Soldier Field carrying the Olympic Torch? (I might add the theme to "Chariots of Fire" was playing on the Jumbotron.)
The weather was a little cold but the rain held off as 1500 athletes, supporters, parents, and volunteers gathered at Soldier Field on the Chicago lakefront yesterday for the 52nd Annual Special Olympics Chicago 2022 Spring Games opening ceremonies.
The opening ceremonies were cancelled due to COVID shutdowns the last two years in Chicago, so it was very exciting for the ceremonies to be back.
The event started with a parade of 1500 Special Olympics' athletes marching onto the field. This was followed by the national anthem, then performances by the Jesse White Tumblers and a drum corp, along with a number of speeches. The various mascots from Chicago area sports teams also marched in the parade of athletes.
I have written about the Special Olympics Chicago including this article:, https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2016/04/wheres-weyermuller-with-ozzie-at-special-olympics-2016-kickoff.html.
Early in the year, they held the Chicago Polar Plunge in Lake Michigan to benefit Special Olympics. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot took the plunge. Over 4000 people jumped in the water that day for the event.
The track and field competitions for the Special Olympics will be held over the next few days at Eckersall Stadium. More information can be found at this link:
"Let me win
But, If I cannot win
Let me be brave
In the Attempt.”
Mark Weyermuller, also known as “Man on the Street” is a small business person, retired real estate professional, law & order supporter, taxpayer advocate, and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist, frequent guest on talk radio, speaker at public hearings, and periodic contributor to Illinois Review.
