Latest news with #SpecialOlympian
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Goodwill celebrates Special Olympics athletes in North Haven
NORTH HAVEN (WTNH) — Coming up this Friday are the opening ceremonies of the 2025 Connecticut Special Olympics. Some of the athletes taking part are clients of the Goodwill organization. Goodwill is celebrating those special athletes. John Cheesman is working his normal job on Wednesday at the Goodwill donation center in North Haven. Annual Special Olympics Torch Run begins in Connecticut 'I sort the clothes, give them to my co-workers if they're nice and clean,' Cheesman said. Goodwill is much more than just a place to donate your used clothes. They use the proceeds from selling your old things to provide all kinds of care and activities for folks like Cheesman with all kinds of levels of abilities. 'We come up with programs to keep them active, taking them out, just to keep them going,' Jmaela Douglas, a community activities specialist with Goodwill, said. On Wednesday, they are celebrating John and everyone else who will be showing off their skills at the Special Olympics this weekend. It's an empowering opportunity that helps people with intellectual disabilities on and off the field 'They get to show off their skills, but it's great camaraderie,' said Goodwill senior director of programs Brian Walsh. 'People that they work with, spend days with, live with, it's a great opportunity for them.' Cheesman is a veteran by now. He will be competing in three events. 'Softball throw, standing long jump, and 50-meter walk,' Cheesman said. While there might not be cheering crowds for John Cheesman, the clothes sorter, it's a different story for John Cheesman, the Special Olympian. 'Different people that go there say 'John, you did a good job!'' Cheesman said, adding hot it makes him feel. 'Very good, very good.' Over the next couple of days, you're going to see plenty of faces you know from News 8, like Laura Hutchinson, joining law enforcement officers in running the Special Olympics torch all over Connecticut. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Best experience of my life': Longtime Special Olympian overcomes adversity
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Special Olympics Rhode Island's Summer Games are more than just a competition. They're also about making lifelong friends. No one knows how to do that better than Henry Moretti, who's competed with the Trudeau Tigers for more than five decades. 'Special Olympians are like family to me,' he said. The Cranston native has participated in his fair share of competitions, such as basketball, softball, golf and soccer, to name a few. But what's the 65-year-old's favorite sport? Moretti was quick to answer. 'I like bowling. My sister helps me,' Moretti said. 'Three weeks ago, I bowled my best game. I bowled 168 — six spares and two strikes.' Moretti has traveled far and wide during his time with Special Olympics. 'I've been to Austria. I played floor hockey … I was a goalie,' he said. 'I've been to Minnesota where I did weightlifting. I've also been to Indiana where I played handball and volleyball.' 'I even went cross-country skiing in Utah,' he added. Moretti was even invited to visit the nation's capital. 'I've been to the White House three times,' Moretti said. 'I met Bill Clinton twice and I met George W. Bush once.' 'I was a Global Messenger for Special Olympics,' he continued. 'I was one of 12 Global Messengers to have dinner with the president.' RELATED: 2025 Special Olympics RI Summer Games officially underway While Moretti is known for having quite the sense of humor, he's also extremely tough. Not even two bouts of cancer could keep him from doing what he loves. 'It was hard,' Moretti recalled. 'I was in the hospital for awhile and went to four rehabs to get better. I had to learn how to walk and everything again.' Thankfully, Moretti is back on track. He's even launched his own podcast, where he talks about his experiences with Special Olympics. Moretti told 12 News he plans on being a Special Olympian for years to come. 'I hope to be with Special Olympics for a long, long time,' he said. 'It's the best experience of my life.' WPRI 12 is a proud sponsor of Special Olympics Rhode Island. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Around the Southland: Mai Fest in Blue Island, gold for Special Olympian, more
Mai Fest set for this weekend in Blue Island The Blue Island Arts Alliance presents Mai Fest 2025 from noon to 5 p.m. May 10, with 100 artisans and craft vendors lining Olde Western Avenue from Canal Street south to 134th Street. The roadway will be closed to cars, but restaurants and pubs will be open. This is the fourth year for Mai Fest, which honors the German heritage of Blue Island. A Mai Fest 'gruppengarten,' or group garden, will be set up around a 'mai pole' at Broadway Street and Old Western Avenue. Live music, children's activities, booths for special interest groups and community organizations, as well as tables and seating will be at the gruppengarten. Parking will be available in the city lot at 2131 Fulton St., and shuttles will run between that lot and the fest. Parking, shuttles and admission are free, although a donation of $5 per person is suggested. Special Olympian at OLCHS wins gold in basketball Oak Lawn Community High School student Megan McLaughlin won the gold medal at the state basketball championship for Special Olympics – her first year playing for the Junior Jordans coached by Tod Mallo. Players competed in three skills categories during the contest, which took place in Normal. For dribbling, players were timed on how fast they could dribble twice up and down the court. For passing, judges counted how many times players landed in the box. For shooting, contestants shot from six spots with two chances from each spot. McLaughlin credited her years of playing basketball at the Oak Lawn Pavilion and her PE classes at school for her success, according to a news release. Eisenhower's Antos wins third CMA Award For the third time, Eisenhower High School music teacher Justin Antos has received the Country Music Association Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence Award. Antos also won this award in 2022 and 2024. He's one of three teachers in Illinois to win this year. The award recognizes music educators who demonstrate teaching excellence, create positive learning environments, and make a lasting impact in their communities. 'I am so very humbled to have received this award, but I am even more grateful to be working in this community with these students,' Antos said. 'Eisenhower has become my home away from home, and there is no place where I'd rather teach music.' Eisenhower administrators surprised Antos with the award on Tuesday. Antos will receive a $5,000 award, split evenly between personal use and his classroom or program. He's also invited to participate in a year of professional development and engagement with CMA's broader network, including special access to CMA Fest and the CMA Awards. The 2025 class will be celebrated at a red-carpet gala on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Moraine art fair contest seeks entries Artists are invited to compete in a juried community art exhibition from May 30 to July 31 at the Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery in the Fine & Performing Arts Center at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. The juror, Nikkole huss, is an interdisciplinary artist, professor of art, art department program lead, director of the Ferguson Art Gallery and curator of the art collection at Concordia University Chicago. She earned an associate's degree from Moraine Valley as a DeCaprio Scholar, among her other degrees. A reception is planned for 1 to 5 p.m. May 31 with awards given at 2 p.m. Artists must be at least 18 years old and live within a 50-mile radius of the college. Work must be original and not have been submitted in the last five years. It must be created after 2019, and no more than two pieces may be submitted. Artwork, which must be ready to hang, will be accepted May 20 to 22 at the gallery. Two-dimensional work should be no bigger than 48 inches by 48 inches; three-dimensional pieces should weigh less than 100 pounds. A $15 entry fee is needed for each piece. Information is at Mimosas & Melodies event celebrates love, life Governors State University presents Mimosas & Melodies at 4 p.m. May 11 at The Center, 1 University Drive, University Park. The performance highlights a blend of musical theater, art song and opera, bringing together four opera singers for a program that celebrates motherhood, family, love and all that life offers. A personalized charcuterie board and mimosa are included with tickets, and an on-stage bar will be available. Tickets cost $50 for stage cabaret seating. Call 708-235-2222, visit or visit the box office. Parking is free, and discounts are available for adults 65 and older, students, children and groups of more than 10. Flossmoor derby hopes to hook fishing fans Young anglers 3 to 12 years old are invited to participate in the Frankfort Fishing Derby the morning of May 17 at Prairie Park in downtown Frankfort, The catch-and release event features different times for different ages. Youths 3 to 7 years old check in at 7:30 a.m. and fish from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Youths 8 to 12 years old check in at 8:30 a.m. and fish from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. The fee, $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents, pays for a T-shirt, drink, snack, bait and a fishing hook; participants must bring their own fishing pole. Register by May 15 online at or call 815-469-2177. Orland Park church hosts rummage sale A rummage sale is planned for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9 and 8 a.m. to noon May 10 at Orland Park Christian Reformed Church, 7500 Sycamore Drive, Orland Park. The sale is sponsored by the church's orphan ministry, and all money raised will help orphans in the community and around the world. Information is at 708-532-4900.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Auburn says goodbye to beloved community icon Justin Murphy
AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) -Sunday marked the end of an era in Auburn, Alabama, as the community said goodbye to one of its most beloved residents, Justin Murphy, as he and his family prepared to move from Auburn to Enterprise, Alabama. To know Justin is to be remembered by him—not just your name, but your entire story. Your parents, your kids, your vacation three summers ago—even your appendix surgery. He remembers, and he cares. It's a rare gift, and one that made him unforgettable. Justin has long been a fixture at the Auburn Publix—greeting customers with an infectious smile, a warm hug, and the kind of genuine interest that made you feel like family. A trip to the grocery store wasn't just about milk and eggs; it was about seeing Justin, catching up, and walking away feeling better than when you arrived. Sunday is his final day at the store. Publix, along with Rocco's Pizza—hosted a heartfelt farewell celebration in Justin's honor. Members of the community lined up to share hugs, memories, and well wishes. And it wasn't just at Publix. You'd find Justin cheering at Auburn University sporting events, grabbing a bite at Byron's Barbecue, or chatting with friends wherever the day took him. Wherever Justin went, the atmosphere changed—brighter, warmer, fuller. He wasn't just the most popular person in the room—he was the room. A dedicated athlete, Justin is an accomplished Special Olympian. Competing in powerlifting, he earned second place in bench press, deadlift, and overall in his division—recognized by Special Olympics Alabama – Lee County. In 2019, he was honored with the Spirit of Alabama Special Olympics Award, a testament to his unwavering commitment, sportsmanship, and heart. As Justin and his family prepare to move to Enterprise, Alabama, the Auburn community feels the loss deeply. From all of us in Auburn: Thank you, Justin. For the joy. For the friendship. And for always remembering us. We will never forget you. You've left a legacy. Auburn loves you—and always will. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
