Mendota Police Officer Diane Kent, left, and Lt. Greg Kellen give Paul Williams a special quilt to commemorate his 50 years of participating in Special Olympics. (Reporter photo)

MENDOTA – For Special Olympics Illinois athletes, with the anticipation of warmer weather comes the excitement for the Spring Games. Special Olympics Illinois hosts 19 Spring Games throughout the state, with almost 10,000 athletes competing. The Region A Spring Games will be held at Hall High School in Spring Valley on April 28.

Paul Williams of Mendota is currently recovering from surgery at the Mendota Lutheran Home. But whether he will be competing or not, “he will be there,” stated longtime friend, Carl Norlin.

Williams, 58, competed in the first Special Olympics at Soldier Field in Chicago in 1968. In fact, his basketball team won first place at that meet. Since then, Williams noted, “I’ve won lots of medals.”

Some of his events have include the softball throw, 100 M walk/run, and relays.

This year will not only mark the 50^th anniversary of Special Olympics, but Williams’ 50^th anniversary as an athlete, as well.

“The biggest misconception about Special Olympics is that it is just for children. But there are still athletes in their 80s,” commented Mendota Police Department Lt. Greg Kellen.

Kellen, along with Mendota Police Officer Diane Kent, visited with Williams at the Mendota Lutheran Home recently. To commemorate his 50 years, they presented him with a Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois T-shirt and hat, March 15.

“I am saluting the Mendota Police Department and thank you for your hard work,” he responded.

What started as a day camp for children with intellectual disabilities by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the early 1960s turned into the first International Special Olympics Summer Games held in July 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago. About 1,000 athletes from the U.S. and Canada took part in the one-day event.

Today, Special Olympics provides training and competitions to 5.7 million athletes in 172 countries. Special Olympics competitions are held every day, all around the world—including local, national and regional competitions, adding up to more than 100,000 events a year.

A 50^th anniversary celebration will be held this year, July 17-21 in Chicago.

In 1986, as a fundraiser and awareness campaign for athletes who participate in Special Olympics, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois began. This year, approximately 3,000 law enforcement officers representing every branch of law enforcement across the state will carry the Flame of Hope 1,500 miles in a relay from June 10-15, running through thousands of Illinois communities via 23 different routes to its final destination – the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games on June 15 in Normal.

The Mendota Police Department joined the cause in 1988. New to the department and known that he could run, Kellen was chosen to participate in the department’s first Torch Run. He has been participating ever since. But he quickly turned and acknowledged Kent. “She has been the driving force. Three years ago she said lets really go for it.”

Last year, the Mendota Police Department raised $25,000 for Special Olympics Illinois. In 2016, $34,000 was raised. And for the past two years, their Lunch in the Park event has sold out. This year, after joining forces with the Starved Rock council, $44,000 was raised at the Polar Plunge.

“Mendota is such a huge supporter of Special Olympics,” said Carol Fesco of Hoizon House in Peru.

“The community – they are what makes the difference,” said Kellen.

Over 300 Illinois law enforcement agencies have raised over $4 million each year for the last four years. “We’re hoping to go over $5 million this year,” added Kent.

Before Kellen and Kent left, they gave Williams one more gift – a handmade quilt depicting a Special Olympic torch and the words: Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run. The quilt was made by a Special Olympian and her mother and purchased by Kellen at a police expo three years ago.

“We would like to donate this to you for your experiences and your commitment to Special Olympics over the last 50 years,” said Kellen.

Williams responded with a smile and a thumbs up.

The Mendota Police Department is currently taking donations for the Special Olympics Illinois Torch Run. T-shirts and hats like the one Williams was presented can be purchased for $25 or $15, respectively, at the police station.