CHICAGO (August 9, 2010) - - SCC/Special Olympics Chicago announces it has appointed James "Skinny" Sheahan as President of the organization, effective immediately. Sheahan has served on the Board of Directors of SCC/Special Olympics Chicago for four years, most recently as Executive Vice President.
In his new role as President, Sheahan will be responsible for overseeing fundraising efforts, securing corporate sponsorships to support Special Olympics Chicago programs and events, as well as raise the overall profile of the organization, which was founded at Soldier Field in the city of Chicago in 1968.
“We are very excited to welcome Skinny and look forward to working with him to bring Special Olympics Chicago to the next level, by raising awareness of our wonderful athletes, programs and activities, that Special Olympics Chicago provides year-round,” said Drew Burlak, former President and current Treasurer of SCC/SOC.
Sheahan has an extensive background in Chicago community relations and special event planning. He spent eight years working in the community relations unit of the State Attorney's Office. Sheahan then moved to the city of Chicago and spent eight years in the Mayor's Office of Special Events, serving as its Director for five of those years. During that time, he worked closely with many city groups, organizations and agencies. He joined McCormick Place in 1998 as Assistant General Manager for ten years before becoming the Chief of External Relations in 2009. He retired from McCormick Place in May 2010.
"For years, Special Olympics Chicago has been unparalleled in providing its athletes and families the opportunity to take part in the best events and activities," said Sheahan. "I look forward to raising awareness of Special Olympics Chicago, and the tremendous good that this organization accomplishes, while getting the corporate community more involved in all that it does for its athletes, their families and the city of Chicago."
About Special Olympics Chicago:
The Special Olympics Chicago program is the largest in the State of Illinois. The Chicago Program alone is larger than 26 other complete State programs. Chicago is the birthplace of Special Olympics and is now held in over 150 countries, worldwide.
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for children (ages 8 and older) and adults with mental disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities. The program gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. In Chicago alone, more than 5,000 athletes are involved in the program.
Since 1969, Special Children's Charities has been the fundraising co-sponsor of Special Olympics Chicago, in partnership with the Chicago Park District. Special Children's Charities mission statement is to promote, foster and encourage physical and mental health and improvement through athletics, recreational and social activities among youth and adults with disabilities.
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