Special Olympics Illinois
Daniel Olsen is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in leadership, public speaking, fundraising, and athletics. As the Founder and CEO of The Ability Marketplace/Legacies of Hope since January 2017, Daniel has made significant contributions to the community. In addition, Daniel serves as a Global Messenger for Special Olympics Illinois, utilizing skills in public relations and long-distance running to advocate for athletes. With a history of impactful speeches at various events, including the Illinois Department of Transportation and the 45th Anniversary of Special Olympics Games in Illinois, Daniel is known for inspiring audiences. Additionally, as a proficient fundraiser, Daniel led a top fundraising group for the Polar Plunge and actively participated in numerous fundraising events from 2010 to 2016. Daniel's athletic accomplishments include winning multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals at district and state games in long-distance running. Daniel's education includes attendance at the Olsen Institute and Springfield High School, with a focus on leadership development.
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Special Olympics Illinois
Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world. Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and over 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. Special Olympics began in Illinois with the first games at Soldier Field in July 1968 thanks to the efforts of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her peers. There are now more than 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries. Special Olympics is financially sound with diverse revenue streams, a thorough annual budget process and increasing organizational revenue streams. Special Olympics Illinois does not charge athletes or their families to participate in the program. OUR MISSION Provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. OUR VISION Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) will be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. ATHLETE OATH “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”