Dozens of high school athletes from Naperville competed at the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, which are similar to the IHSA Track and Field State Championships.
The three-day event, held from June 20 to 22, drew thousands to Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, with several local athletes finishing on the podium.
Naperville athletes enjoy a weekend of fun and competition at the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games
The weekend’s most popular activity was…
“Probably the drone show and then getting my medals,” said Waubonsie Valley athlete Philip Helmick.
“The torch run with the drones,” Naperville Central athlete Thomas Plackett explained.
“I was ecstatic and pleased that I finished third. “It is great to celebrate with my coaches,” said Neuqua Valley athlete Lauren Zanghi.
Naperville Team 203 Fire, a combination of Naperville Central and Naperville North athletes, as well as Waubonsie Valley, Neuqua Valley, and Metea Valley, traveled to the event. Nearby organizations, including Northern Will County Special Recreation and Western DuPage Special Recreation, also competed.
Typical track and field events are among the most popular, but many other sports are also represented.
“There is powerlifting, bocce, soccer, swimming, and rhythmic gymnastics,” explained Neuqua Valley coach Maddy Ashley. “So that all happens down at ISU and Illinois Wesleyan during the summer game tournament.”
Aside from the actual competition, the Summer Games atmosphere is something unique. The torch run and opening ceremony, which includes the ever-popular drone show as well as the traditional victory dance, help to bring families together each year.
Building courage and friendships through every step and event
For athletes like Neuqua’s Lauren Zanghi, it is all about overcoming nerves and enjoying the moment. She finished third in the mini javelin division!
“At first, I was feeling nervous because I did not think I was going to get third, and I was feeling stressed because other people were going against me,” Zanghi replied. “And at the end, I was overjoyed that I finished third. “It is great to celebrate with my coaches.”
Zanghi had many exciting moments and looks forward to another great year at Neuqua. She also hopes that more people become involved with the Wildcats.
“I think people should join Special Olympics because it is very fun to play, and you get to cheer people on, and you get to play against other people,” says Zanghi.
As a sophomore at Waubonsie Valley, Philip Helmick participated in his first sports experience. After a successful junior year, it is safe to say he is thoroughly enjoying the competition.
“Well, it is been a lot of fun,” said Helmick. “When I first started, I was nervous. It was just a little challenging.”
“I like my coaches, I like everybody, I like my friends, and everything,” Helmick told reporters.
For Philip’s mother, Cheryl, seeing him develop into a multi-sport athlete has been priceless.
“So this year, his junior year, was the first time he participated in soccer and track,” Philip’s mother, Cheryl Helmick, explained. “He is been very proud of himself. So I told him when we finished Pack the Place, ‘You have brought so much joy to so many people.'”
Local athletes finish among the best in the state and celebrate with their families!
Top finishers included athletes from Metea Valley, Naperville Central, and Naperville North. Mustang Akshat Goswami won first place in his division of the 100-meter freestyle swim, while Redhawk Thomas Plackett finished first in the 50-meter freestyle swim and celebrated with his family!
“My Mom and Dad! Plackett discussed who he celebrated with after winning. “Practice makes perfect!”
Taylor Schuch, Waubonsie Valley’s coach, says seeing athletes compete on this stage makes it all worthwhile.
“I mean, it means everything,” Schuch replied. “They worked so hard throughout the year. They develop strong friendships with all of their teammates, which makes us very proud as coaches. So it is great to see them recognized for all of their hard work throughout the year at the Summer Games.”
Thousands of athletes, ranging from young children to teenagers and adults, participate in Special Olympics to find courage and form lifelong friendships on the biggest stage.
