2022 Special Olympics USA Games gold medalists return home with Chatham celebration

Chatham, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) - Local national champions returned to town with some new hardware. The Auburn Area Special Olympics Team arrived home from the 2022 USA Games in Florida.

The Olympians returned to town with quite a warm welcome. The Chatham Police and Fire Departments escorted the athletes from Glenwood Intermediate School to Chatham Park where there was a celebration. A few Auburn Area Special Olympians took home gold. Jordan VanKooten won the 100m and 400m walk. While Alicia Marta won gold in bowling and Rob Queenan coached the gold medal winning Illinois flag football team.

"It gives these kids a chance to just do something other students are allowed to do and it's just amazing that they get to be a part of such a national sporting event," Special Education Administrator Ashley Hinds said. "It just gives them a chance to experience what they've wanted all their lives. Just to watch them and see the smiles on their faces and their success and how happy they are, it's just a feeling I can't describe. It's amazing."