GALLERY: Special Olympics Stars Got Game

Community comes out to support Special Olympics athletes on basketball day at Brother Rice High School.

At the end of the day everyone was a winner and everyone was brave. Oak Lawn residents turned out in force to cheer on Oak Lawn’s Special Olympics Eagles and Junior Jordans for their annual basketball day at Brother Rice High School. The event was organized by the Oak Lawn Park District and SRASA Ltd., a parent organization that raises money for the park district’s special recreation programs. Here are some of the unforgettable highlights of “the greatest basketball, cheerling and sportsmanship on the South Side of Chicago.”

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Eagles and Junior Jordans Play Big Game Saturday

Special Olympics athletes play two exciting basketball games at Brother Rice High School on Saturday Jan. 14 and the whole town is invited.

The Eagles and Junior Jordans hit the courts at Brother Rice High School on Saturday for the biggest game of the year. The Special Olympic teams square off for some thrilling and entertaining basketball, raising money for the Oak Lawn Park District’s special recreation programs. The high school-aged Eagles and younger Junior Jordans will split up their teams and face off against each other. “Not only are these kids great athletes, they’re great entertainers,” organizer John Zawaski said. READ: "Special Olympics Athletes Shoot for the Stars" The fun starts at noon Saturday, Jan. 14, at Brother Rice High School at 10001 S. Pulaski Road. The afternoon features two basketball games, plus special appearances by the Brother Rice Marching Band …

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Special Olympics Athletes Shoot for the Stars

Oak Lawn's Eagles and Junior Jordans entertain on media night as they prepare for annual Special Olympics game and fundraiser on Jan. 14.

Four years ago when Mikey Curtiss brought her autistic son, Scott, to his first basketball practice for the Junior Jordans Special Olympics team, they made it as far as the hallway. “When he was out in that hallway kicking and screaming and crying that he didn’t want to go in, we could have easily given up,” Curtiss said of her now 13-year-old son shooting baskets in the gym. “Now he runs in.” The Oak Lawn Eagles and Junior Jordans basketball squads gathered for a full-on practice before the media to promote their annual fundraising game at Brother Rice High School on Jan. 14. Proceeds will benefit the Oak Lawn Park District’s Special Recreation Department, which facilitates the Special Olympic teams. For the big game, the high school-aged…

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