Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Ald. O'Shea Plans To Run Chicago Marathon For Special Olympics

 Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) has committed to running in the 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for Special Olympics Chicago. He also participated in the Chicago Polar Plunge.
Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) has committed to running in the 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for Special Olympics Chicago. He also participated in the Chicago Polar Plunge.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Supplied Photo

BEVERLY — Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) was appointed to the board of directors for Special Olympics Chicago on Wednesday, but he's also running for the position.

While announcing his new role with the Gold Coast-based charity, O'Shea also committed to running in the 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

"Special Olympics is one of the city of Chicago’s greatest legacies and I am looking forward to contributing to this great organization,” O'Shea said in a written statement.

O’Shea will raise money for the group ahead of the marathon. He has been actively involved with Special Olympics Chicago for more than a decade, previously participating in the Chicago Polar Plunge and the Midway Fly Away 5K.

O'Shea "has not only been an active fundraiser for several of our largest events, but he has always been willing to jump in and help Special Olympics Chicago at a moment’s notice. He is alderman to an area within the city where a number of our athletes live and compete," said Casey Hogan, president of Special Olympics Chicago.

The first International Special Olympics Games were held on July 20, 1968, at Soldier Field. The Chicago-based program is the largest in Illinois. It boasts more than 5,000 athletes who compete and train in 22 sports throughout the year.

For more information about Special Olympics Chicago, visit www.sochicago.org.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: