The University of Illinois Hosts Special Spectators

This past Saturday, the University of Illinois hosted more than one dozen families from Carle Hospital at a Fighting Illini football game. The day was planned and put together by Special Spectators and various members of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) at the University of Illinois.

The children enjoyed a delicious tailgate meal provided by Hideway Catering in Champaign. The event was sponsored by the CME Group, who brought a van load of volunteers to help out with face painting for the children, cornhole, event preparation and teardown, and more.

Even thought it rained off and on throughout the day, the families were able to enjoy the game and the 21-0 win by the Illini versus Western Illinois. The game was close early, but the Illini pulled away late in the game and secured the win.

This marks the 5th time that the University of Illinois has hosted a Special Spectators event at a football game. Only Arizona has hosted more events (6). Special Spectators and the families are grateful for the support given by the University.

This fall, the men's basketball team will become only the third men's basketball program in the nation to host a Special Spectators event at the Orange and Blue Scrimmage in October. Stay tuned for more details.

If you would like to donate or volunteer with Special Spectators, please vist our home page at: www.SpecialSpectators.org