Special Olympics Athlete Aims for Gold at Inaugural Golden Games in Chicago
A new kind of sports competition is set to take place in Chicago, and one athlete is particularly excited to participate. Maureen Blake, a 71-year-old Special Olympics athlete from Jefferson Park, has been involved with the program for over 35 years and has accumulated an impressive 35 medals for her athletic achievements. With a strong track record in bocce, Blake is eager to compete in the first-ever Golden Games, a Special Olympics Chicago event that celebrates current and retired athletes aged 45 and up.
In addition to her passion for winning, Blake is also looking forward to meeting new people and enjoying the social activities that accompany the games. The Golden Games, which are being organized in partnership with the Chicago Park District, will bring together 150 athletes and coaches from different Special Olympics park fieldhouse teams. These athletes will have the opportunity to compete in a variety of sports, including bowling, track and field, basketball skills, softball skills, bocce, fishing, archery, and adaptive bicycles. The games will take place from Monday to Wednesday at various facilities throughout the city.
While Blake is excited about competing in a pickleball match, an increasingly popular sport, she is equally thrilled about the social activities that will allow her to fulfill some items on her bucket list. As part of the Golden Games, the athletes will enjoy a field trip to watch a White Sox game, where they will be recognized on the big screen. Although Blake is a loyal Cubs fan, she is still looking forward to the experience. Additionally, the athletes will have the opportunity to visit Northerly Island, a place Blake has never been to before.
The creation of the Golden Games aims to shine a spotlight on the achievements of older Special Olympics athletes and provide them with unique experiences. Ray Baker, the President of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Chicago, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, The newly created Golden Games give us the opportunity to really celebrate our older athletes in a fun way, where they can gather and enjoy experiences they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to do.
Maureen Blake’s sister, Marion Blake, recognizes her sister’s competitive spirit and athletic ability, dubbing her the Queen of Bocce. Maureen has earned this title over the years with her exceptional bocce skills and 25 gold medals in the sport. In addition to bocce, she also participates in track and field, volleyball, and basketball skills during regular Special Olympics games.
Maureen Blake not only excels in sports but is also deeply involved in her local community. She volunteers at her local church, St. Constance, and is an usher for Sunday Mass. She is part of a group that knits and crochets blankets for church families in need, as well as those getting baptized or facing sickness. Additionally, she volunteers at St. Mary of Providence, a disability services and support organization in Portage Park.
As the Golden Games approach, Maureen Blake is eager to make new friends and achieve more victories. Her mindset is reflected in a powerful phrase she uses to motivate herself: Help me win, but if I cannot win, help me be brave in the attempt. With her remarkable accomplishments, dedication, and positive attitude, Maureen Blake is an inspiration to the Special Olympics community and beyond.
In conclusion, the inaugural Golden Games in Chicago promise to be a memorable event for Maureen Blake and other Special Olympics athletes. Not only will they have the opportunity to showcase their skills in various sports, but they will also be able to enjoy social activities and experiences that celebrate their achievements. For Maureen Blake, the games represent another chance to add to her impressive collection of medals and create lasting memories in the company of fellow athletes.
