South West Illinois News

Harrisburg residents Doug and Stacy Cottom recently received the 2016 Special Olympics Illinois’ Outstanding Lifetime Service Award.

They received the honor at a reception June 10 before the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games Opening Ceremony at Illinois State University in Normal.

The award is given to an outstanding individual or individuals who encompass the spirit of Special Olympics Illinois, and has shown their dedication to the organization and to serving its mission and goals.

The owners of Ross Cottom Lanes, Doug and Stacy Cottom have provided their bowling alley to use for Special Olympics Illinois for more than 25 years, including once when they're own townhouse was hit with a tornado, destroying their home and many of their belongings. They've allowed Special Olympics Illinois to use their facility at lower rates, encouraged the athletes to enjoy competitions and helped provide volunteers for the events.

They've continued to invite Special Olympics Illinois into their facility, hosting the Rend Lake Polar Plunge Pre-Registration Party in their lounge with no charge for the facility.

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization that offers year-round training and competition in 19 sports for more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities, and more than 20,000 young athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.