WEST LOOP— Special Olympics Illinois is set to open a new headquarters in the West Loop later this month in an effort to reach more people living with intellectual disabilities across Chicago.
The new headquarters, opening Jan. 15 at 820 W. Jackson Blvd., will bring more specialized programming to the city, the organization announced in a release. Special Olympics Illinois existing headquarters in Normal, Ill. will also stay open.
About 53,000 people are living with intellectual disabilities in Chicago. The organization currently serves 6,000 Special Olympic athletes, the organization said.
Special Olympics Unified School programming is currently offered at 19 Chicago Public Schools. The organization aims to add more programming in Chicago Public Schools and across the state as part of its move to open a second headquarters.
The organization also aims to connect with local companies to expand opportunities and break barriers regarding diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
“We want Chicagoans to know Special Olympics is much more than a track meet. We are a leader in health services for people with intellectual disabilities and we enhance life skills to build confidence,” David Breen, president of Special Olympics Illinois, said in a press release.
Do stories like this matter to you? Subscribe to Block Club Chicago. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.