Hey Joe - Best of Luck!

At the age of 8, Joe O’Brien, (then called Joey), was watching a TV program when he said, "Mom, I want to do that".  Joe, who had been diagnosed with an Educable Mental Handicap (EMH) and Mild Mental Impairment (MMI), was glued to the television screen and ecstatic about what he saw.  His mother, Joanne (Kluck), was paying less than half attention to the show so she asked him what it was that he wanted to do.  Seeing his excitement, they sat together and watched a program of a young boy with a disability running in a track competition.  The boy competed at his highest level, and Joe wanted to be just like him. 

The community where Joe and his Mom lived at the time had few opportunities in terms of recreational programming, as Little League dominated.  The local Park District was not a member of a Special Recreation Association (SRA), which provides recreational programming to children and adults with disabilities in cooperation with local Park Districts.  Consequently, residents like Joe had limited access to organized recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.  Joanne soon found out that a petition had been filed with the Park District leaders of the community to join an existing SRA.  Eventually, the Park District entered into an agreement with the SRA and Joe became one of the kids benefitting from new and exciting recreational programs.  He didn’t know what to expect, but he had opportunities to have fun, learn new things, go new places, make friends and be included.

At the age of nine, Joe competed as an SRA athlete at the Special Olympics Spring Games and won a gold medal to qualify for State Summer Games.  That was his beginning, and he worked hard to compete at many levels in a variety of athletic and fun programs.

In Junior High, Joe developed in Special Education classes. Through his hard work and competitive nature, he tried out for and received a spot on the school track team.  But as in many such cases, not all of the team members were friendly to a student from “that classroom".  Each day after school, his mom picked him up after the work day.  She noticed after a while that while he was doing his best, the challenges were overwhelming.  Joanne stated “had it not been for all the educated and competent staff from the SRA, a school age child would probably not have been encouraged to try new adventures.” 

In his early teens, they moved to Elk Grove Village where he was quickly engaged in programs offered by Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA).  He truly enjoyed track and basketball.  Joe loved the sports, social clubs, and outings with his new friends.  He was introduced to new sports, such as soccer.  Unified teams became available, where an individual with a disability was paired with an individual without a disability to recreate as a team.  Joe really appreciated all of the opportunities for socialization, which built his confidence and satisfaction.  

From opportunities came great successes.  In 1991, he was a member of Team Illinois Soccer, and competed at the Summer World Games in Minneapolis, MN.  In 1995, he traveled to New Haven, CT to compete at the Summer World Games in Unified Baseball.   President Bill Clinton was present at the Opening Ceremonies, and Joe reveled in the excitement.  Joanne still exclaims in remembrance “That was some exciting day!”   He was also selected as the State Athlete of the year in 1998 and honored at the Winter Games in Galena, IL.  That moment in his life remains consistent with his character and personality; his good heart and giving spirit.  It was through SRA teams and programs that Joe made new and enduring friendships. 

Now 42, Joe received news that his NWSRA Lightning Softball Team was one of two teams in the state of Illinois to be invited to attend the 2012 Regional Invitational Softball Championship from September 20-23 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  This tournament is sponsored by the Moose International, and Special Olympics North America.  Joe is ecstatic to represent the state, and has been a strong advocate toward raising the necessary funds for travel expenses to attend.  Donations are being accepted through SLSF, the fundraising arm of NWSRA.  To see Joe’s team in action or to donate, please contact Katie Newport at 847-392-2848, ext 237 or visit www.nwsra.org/donate.

In addition to his long resume of athletic competition, Joe has traveled across North America with NWSRA trips to Toronto, San Diego, San Antonio, Washington D.C. and more.  He looks forward to the NWSRA long trip every year.  Best of luck to Joe and the rest of the team on the next NWSRA adventure!