Special Olympics Illinois names Lindenwood University-Belleville Organization of the Year
Special Olympics Illinois has named Lindenwood University-Belleville as its Organization of the Year.
The designation recognizes a club, business, facility, or organization whose efforts have significantly improved the experience of those who participate in Special Olympics. This includes donating facilities, volunteers, time, or money to the program.
“We are extremely honored to receive the Organization of the Year Award from the Special Olympics Illinois,” Lindenwood Associate Athletic Director Annie Reis said. “It is a privilege for us to be able to work with such an outstanding association each year. We are so appreciative of the relationships that we have developed and the opportunities they have provided for our student-athletes to learn and grow as individuals. We look forward to our continued partnership.”
Throughout the past couple years, Lindenwood-Belleville has collaborated with Morgan White, region manager of Special Olympics Illinois, to offer disabled individuals the opportunity to interact and compete at the university’s biannual Sports Days.
“Lindenwood University-Belleville in particular has made it their mission to connect with our athletes on a deeper basis,” White said. “Twice a year, their student-athletes team up with coaches to train our athletes on the finer points of their sport. Special Olympics athletes are able to laugh and interact with the Lindenwood athletes while learning fundamentals of certain sports, but the greatest outcome is the friendships that are created between all involved. We are so grateful for their support, and our athletes are looking forward to the 2018 Fall Sports Day.”
Lindenwood Belleville will host its 2018 Fall Sports Day on Monday, Oct. 8, in Lynx Arena at 5:15 p.m.
PHOTO: From left are Morgan White, region manager of Special Olympics Illinois; Associate Athletic Director Annie Reis; and Athletic Director Ryan Kaiser.
