While the 2016 Games will be starting off in Rio next summer, there is still an Olympics in Chicago. The Special Olympics, that is. Back on Monday, Soldier Field was the site of the Opening Ceremony of the 47th Spring Games. More than 15,000 spectators watched with adoration as 3,500 athletes paraded across the field to take their rightful place as Special Olympians. Starting things off was a torch-lighting ceremony, performed by Chicago Police Officers who were joined by members from the Misericordia team. Those assembled were then welcomed by the honorary coach for the games, White Sox pitcher Jeff Samardzija, who said in part that "It's a privilege as an athlete to be invited by my fellow athletes. Wishing all the athletes a great week of competition and good luck!". Samardzija's remarks weren't the only White Sox connection, as their charity arm provides funding for the uniforms of the Olympians.
Luckily, the weather held off for the ceremony, and the rain was avoided. Having the ceremony at Soldier Field is a homecoming of sorts, as this is the same place where the first ever Special Olympics was held on July 20, 1968. Andrew Kane, a member of Team Envision Unlimited said that the Ceremony was "real fun. I like the marching and the parade. I'm ready to win a gold medal." Kane's enthusiasm is justified, as his basketball team is coming off of a win at the Special Olympics state championship, and he's ready to win again. "I have the basketball from when we won downstate, and my own trophy too...I'm going to win again. Yup!" You can check out Kane's quest for another gold, as well as the other 3,500 athletes all week at Eckersall Stadium at 2423 E. 82nd St., from 8 am to 4 pm.
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