Chicago Baseball Bash In Support of Special Olympics with Dennis Gardeck

Special Olympics Illinois uses the power of sport as a catalyst for change for people with intellectual disabilities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, build confidence and create friendships on and off the playing field

· Special Olympics was founded in 1968, and in a typical year holds 100,000 sports competitions. During the pandemic, many local Programs are holding virtual sport competitions, where athletes compete in activities they can do at home, including holding a plank position, doing sit-ups, dribbling a ball, and more.

· In Illinois, there are over 23,000 athletes and that compete in 18 sports statewide through Special Olympics Illinois. Globally, there are 6.5 million Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners in over 190 countries and territories.

· Special Olympics is more than an event – Special Olympics Illinois hosts programs to aid in health education, leadership, and personal development in addition to competitive sports. Currently, Special Olympics Illinois is offering a variety of health, wellness, training and leadership programming virtually.

· Special Olympics Illinois programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities:

o We have programs for children and youth (8+) and adults (70+)

o Through our Young Athletes program we serve over 17,000 children between the ages of 2 and 7, with and without disabilities.

· Special Olympics Illinois programs are completely free for participating athletes

· It costs an average of $140 for an athlete to participate in a competition for the organization

· Special Olympics Illinois athletes need your support, more now than ever, as they return to play

· You can support the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois by attending the Chicago Baseball Bash on March 20 at 3:00 pm at the Sheraton Wrigleyville West Pool.

o Chicago Baseball Bash is a Chicago-style party after a Cubs Spring Training Game! The event is a traditional Chi-Town party filled with your favorite celebrities entertaining the crowd.

o Chicago Baseball Bash tickets are $40 per person and include entertainment, a Chicago-themed buffet, and open bar of beer, wine and soda.

o Appropriately, this event will be held in Mesa, the first-ever Autism Certified City in the U.S.

o All proceeds benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois

o All state Covid-19 policies and precautions will be followed at this outdoor event.

For more information, go to www.chicagobaseballbash.org