LWSRA Holds 35th Annual Sports Banquet

New Lenox: The Lincolnway Special Recreation Association held its annual Sports Banquet on September 30th at St. Jude’s school gymnasium in New Lenox. This year not only did LWSRA celebrate its many athletes but also reflected on its 35 years of service to the community. 

“The athletes have done so much for us over the year, this is our opportunity to give back to them,” said Tami Pareti, event coordinator and recreation specialist at LWSRA, “Its always a highlight of my year putting this together.”

Over 100 families came out to enjoy the banquet and recognize the athletes and special guests in attendance. Cory Singer, President of the Will County Forest Preserve gave a talk about the continuing dedication of the Will County Forest Preserve to make its amenities as accessible as possible for individuals with special needs. Other guests included: Mark Costigan, President of the Lincolnway Special Recreation Foundation an President of the Mokena Lions Club and Foundation members Greg Zibricky, Patrick Markham, Scott Lorenz, Jim Dobson, Secretary Jacque Tuma and Treasurer Lou Filosa.

Contributors over the past year were then recognized, including the Lincoln Way East Student Council and Mokena Citizens in Action, both of which helped fund the purchase of a 6’ by 10’ trailer for athletic equipment to be hauled for state tournaments and away games. The wrapping and art work on the trailer was donated by ABC Medical, Adaptive Adventures, and Midwest Sport and Social Club. Mr. Lou Filosa of the Mokena Citizens in Action then presented the LWSRA with a $1000 check on behalf of the organization and took center stage to announce the donation of over $2000 worth of sporting equipment including softball bats, helmets, softballs, basketballs, volleyballs, stopwatches, scrimmage vests, hats, hand weights, and other exercise and athletic gear. The crowd cheer wildly with delight upon receiving the gifts that were submitted on a wish list upon request of the Mokena Citizens in Action. Mr. Filosa was the recipient of the LWSRA the Award of Appreciation for all of his numerous contributions throughout the year.

A video presentation that looked back at the LWSRA’s 35 year history of athletics was shown during dinner and was put together by LWSRA webmaster and volunteer Tom Krauss who also won a Distinguished Service Award at the banquet. The dinner was catered by volunteers of the Knights of Colombus New Lenox also known as the Father Dick Allen Council.

After staff and volunteers had been recognized for their service, an athletes awards ceremony was held to celebrate the spectacular participants of the LWSRA. Athlete of the Year Awards were given to Nick Lorenz of Peotone for Most Spirted Athlete, Thomas Duffy of Ottawa for Junior Athlete, Brendan Winter of New Lenox for Teen Athlete, and Mary Joyce of Mokena for Adult Athlete.  

After closing statements the  festivities ended with a dance party that was put on by Jon Holly’s Wave Machine which allowed athletes to cut loose and celebrate together.

LWSRA was formed in 1976 and provides social and recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs in Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Peotone, and Manhattan. A $2.5 million grant by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources was just awarded to build an LWSRA recreation center at Heather Glen Park in New Lenox. For more information please visit www.lwsra.org or call (815) 464-2811.