Two dozen softball teams visited Du Quoin for a tournament benefitting the Southern Illinois Special Olympics.
The money raised helps more than 1,600 Special Olympic athletes in 24 Southern Illinois counties.
Special Olympics Region K Director of Development Kim Talley says this is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year.
“We could raise between 30- and 70-thousand dollars depending on sponsorship, donations, the number of people that attend.”
Talley says all of the funds stay in southern Illinois - allowing them hold 24 events each year.
“We are actually able to secure both equipment, facilities, insurance, support for our supplies for our different events.”
They use events like this to increase the awareness of opportunities for those living with differing abilities.
“We really want to increase how many more individuals with intellectual disabilities can get involved and we want to make sure we get as many of them to know about us and are participating actively.”
