Tag Archives: special olympics

Special Olympian sings anthem at Wrigley Field, and raises money for Special Olympics

Sep 11, 2018 | kimberlykaczmarek

A Special Olympian took center stage at Wrigley Field Monday night.

Stefan Xidas sang the national anthem ahead of the Cubs game against the Brewers.

 

“We went to a lot of Cubs games when I was a kid and that had a big impact on me,” he said.

Xidas has tried to sing the anthem at Wrigley for years, ever since he performed it for the White Sox during National Association for Down’s Syndrome Day in 2005, the same year they won the World Series.

Xidas reached out to the Cubs every year. “We either would get no response, or a letter saying hey, it’s all booked up. Try again next year,” said Stan Xidas, father.

That’s when Xidas’s lifelong best friends made a video asking Tom Ricketts for the chance to sing the national anthem if he raised $5,000 for the Special Olympics, for which he plays tennis. Xidas posted to social media three weeks ago and went viral.

“Less than a week, he hit the $5,000 mark, then it inched its way up to $10,000. And I think that as of today, it’s well over $18,0000,” Stand said.

The Cubs will be matching Xidas’ $18,000 in donations to the Special Olympics.

Search Continues For Missing Special Olympian

Jul 23, 2018 | kimberlykaczmarek

CHICAGO (CBS) — Police are asking for the public’s help to find a missing man who disappeared while participating in the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics being held in Chicago.

CBS 2’s Vi Nguyen has more on the efforts to find him.

CPD said the 22-year-old man is a high-risk missing person and they’re still looking for him.

The last time anyone made contact with him was Thursday night and he hasn’t been seen since. Police have shared his picture on social media Friday night and CPD is hoping someone will recognize him.

The 22-year-old man with autism does not speak English. He was reported missing from the 100 block of East Delaware.

His name is Rezwanul Haque. He was last seen wearing a blue hat with USA on the front, a blue polo shirt with the word “Bangladesh” on the back, black pants, and white gym shoes.

He also had a light gray and red backpack.

According to Special Olympics International, Haque is an athlete with the Bangladeshi Unified Cup soccer team. He’s one of the hundreds of athletes taking part in the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics.

The five-day celebration began earlier in the week. It wraps up Saturday at Soldier Field with a concert at Northerly Island.

Special Olympics International released a statement which said they are deeply concerned and their top priority and safety of their athletes. They are working with local police to find him.

If you have any information or do spot the athlete, you are urged to call the Chicago Police Department.

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