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McLean County Diversity Project   c/o Jeffrey A. Schwartz   PO Box 58   Downs, IL  61736

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Special Olympics

All content is ©Copyright 2010 McLean County Diversity Project

Jill Speer is the Special Olympics Illinois Heartland/Area 6 Director. SOILL/ Area 6 reaches nearly 1000 athletes allowing them to compete in sports training and competition year round at no charge. Fundraising is an essential aspect of Jill's job. The Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge is a fundraiser where people run, jump, or plunge into the cold lake at Miller Park. The Polar Plunge has grown from 256 plungers in 2009 to over 410 plungers in 2010, raising more than $83,000 for local Special Olympics athletes. Funds raised help to offset the cost of meals, equipment and fees necessary to run the local competitions.

Jill says, "This is the second year that the McLean County Diversity Project has been a part of the Bloomington Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Illinois. I look forward to working with Parker and his peers as they learn about people with intellectual and physical disabilities and how to not just see the disability but the potential in people. It is great that this group has taken on Special Olympics as one of their projects and I hope our relationship continues to grow. They will surely be freezing for a reason this February at Miller Park Lake!"