By Greg Halbleib
NORMAL – A special message from some special athletes has been delivered to the Illinois State and Northwestern football teams before the squads meet Saturday afternoon.
Special Olympics Illinois athletes are taking on special roles in connection with the game. Drew White of Normal addressed the Redbirds after Friday’s practice while Lauren Miller spoke to the Wildcats at about the same time. Special Olympics Illinois President and CEO Dave Breen said the athletes had an important message for the football players.
“Their message is about courage and about joy in sports,” said Breen. “It sometimes gets lost a little bit as for some of these college athletes, it’s becoming a full-time job. I think our athletes want to give them a message of how you’ve got to find the joy and the true spirit of sportsmanship. I think that will really resonate with them.”
Special Olympians are also participating as honorary captains for the coin toss before the game. Payten Presley and Katelyn Gruenwald will represent Illinois State while Miller and Corey Paskvan will join the Wildcats for the pre-game ceremony.
Greg Halbleib can be reached at greg@wjbc.com.
