MOUNT GREENWOOD — Speed skater Tommy Shimoda of Mount Greenwood will get a special send-off Saturday ahead of the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Well-wishers are asked to gather at 9:15 a.m. at Mount Greenwood Park to congratulate and pass along good vibes to Shimoda, who is the only Chicago athlete headed to the games in Austria.
Shimoda, 24, has participated in the Mount Greenwood Special Recreation Association since he was 8 years old. The group is based out of the park at 3721 W. 111th St. in Mount Greenwood.
He will compete in both the 500-meter and 777-meter races, according to a report.
The Special Olympics World Games will be held Tuesday-March 25. There are 32 different Olympic competitions and more than 4.2 million athletes participating from 170 countries, according to the event's website.
"Bring the family out Saturday morning to show support for our neighborhood hero!" Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) said Wednesday on his Facebook page.
