DePaul students captured the joy and competition of Chicago Park District Special Olympics events during winter quarter. Assistant Professor Robin Hoecker in the College of Communication offered for students to cover soccer tournaments, basketball practices and dozens of other Special Olympics events as an assignment for her class on sports photojournalism. Read more about it in
Newsline.
Kelly Jankowski, a senior double majoring in film and television and business administration, photographed a soccer tournament at Pullman Park. She says the event was different from the college basketball and professional games she covered.
"Special Olympics is still competitive, but they also understand the importance of community. The athletes just want to be with each other and be friends with everyone,” she says. "There were a lot more moments of great sportsmanship."
This is the first time Hoecker partnered with the Chicago Park District on the Special Olympics events. She says she hopes to again next winter quarter when she teaches the course.
Elementary school children race towards the ball during a soccer tournament at the Pullman Community Center on February 8, 2023. The athletes were on a field trip with their Chicago Public School. (Photo by Kelly Jankowski)
Kenneth dives towards the ball in trying to help his goalie, Kristian, save a goal at the Pullman Community Center soccer tournament held on February 8, 2023. Kenneth and Kristian are both 8th graders at Mahalia Jackson Elementary School. (Photo by Kelly Jankowski)
Athletes compete in the Special Olympics Track and Field Time Trials on February 28th, 2023, at Gately Park Indoor Track Facility. (Photo by Lillie Groleske)
Athletes compete in the Special Olympics Track and Field Time Trials on February 28th, 2023, at Gately Park Indoor Track Facility. (Photo by Lillie Groleske)
Athletes compete in the Special Olympics Track and Field Time Trials on February 28th, 2023, at Gately Park Indoor Track Facility. (Photo by Lillie Groleske)
Athletes from Special Olympics Chicago practice at Loyola Park on March 1. (Photo by Donald Crocker)
Athletes chat during basketball practice at Loyola Park in Chicago on March 1. (Photo by Samantha Davis)