For more than three decades, Christine Kelly has competed as a Special Olympics athlete.
She has competed as an athlete in the World Games twice: She finished fourth place in gymnastics in the summer games in Baton Rouge, La., in 1983 and received two bronze medals in figure skating in 1997 in Toronto, Canada.
On Sunday, the 44-year-old Oak Lawn athlete plans to take the Polar Plunge with many others by jumping in cold Lake Michigan in Chicago to help raise money for the Special Olympics. This will be Kelly’s eighth year participating in the fundraiser.
“I really enjoy the Polar Plunge because I am able to raise money for the Special Olympics and I am able to see all the people that are there to support and help raise money for Special Olympics,” said Kelly, who these days competes in golf, power lifting and swimming.
The Chicago Polar Plunge has been raising money for the Special Olympics for 16 years. It attracts thousands of participants, including celebrities like Jimmy Fallon, Vince Vaughn and Lady Gaga have taken the plunge.
Kelly, who has raised more than $350 for the event this year, plans to dive in North Avenue Beach with her team from Mt. Greenwood Park called the Special Recreation Rebellions.
Some of Kelly’s coaches from the Chicago Park District at Mt. Greenwood Park that coach Special Olympics programs through the Chicago Park District also will join in on the plunging fun, including, Lisa Mulcrone, a special recreation coordinator and Lisa Wisniewski, a special recreation instructor.
“Chris is always excited for the plunge” Wisnieski said. “When she asked me to jump eight years ago, how could I say no? She is a great inspiration to me and Lake Michigan, here we come again.”
Mulcrone said: “She is always looking to do something new and keep herself active. Jumping in Lake Michigan not only supports her in the programs she loves, but all her friends, as well. She truly inspires so many people every day by her willingness to try new things all the time.”
When Kelly, who has Down Syndrome, is not competing, she is a global messenger for the Special Olympics. She also is a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, near Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn and a volunteer coach at Mt. Greenwood Park.
Kelly also enjoys spending time with her mother, Mary; father, Mike, and brothers, Brian, 40, and Matt, 37.
“[Chris] has the heart of a champion and loves everyone,” Mary Kelly said. “Chris is a great athlete who easily adapts to the changes as she gets older she has changed sports that suit her better.”
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.