As the icy waters splashed around, Heartland’s commitment to community and family shone brightly at the annual Polar Plunge, where most of our hometowns rallied to support the Special Olympics. Among the crowds of participants were two remarkable individuals, Pam Metz and Shaun Brady, both integral parts of Heartland’s Central Illinois Hometown.
For Pam Metz, the Special Olympics isn’t just an organization; it’s been a cornerstone of her family’s life for over two decades. Pam’s son, Chase, took his first strides into the world of Special Olympics in Chatham, Illinois. Under the banner of the Chatham Chargers, Chase has excelled in many sports, from Track & Field to Basketball, with his father proudly coaching alongside him. Pam’s advocacy for Special Olympics extends far beyond the sidelines. Alongside her husband and Chase, she volunteers tirelessly at fundraisers like the Polar Plunge and Trivia, and they are fixtures at Track & Field competitions, celebrating every participant’s triumphs as if they were their own.
Reflecting on her journey with the Special Olympics, Pam shares, “Having a special needs child changes your life and your perspective toward individuals with disabilities. We advocate for our Special Olympics participation. It is great to see the participants improve their abilities within each sport. We cheer every participant on to victory during each competition. We love every one of them.”
Meanwhile, in another corner of our Central Illinois Hometown, Shaun Brady’s connection to the Special Olympics runs deep through his bond with his brother, Travis. From age six, Travis has been a spirited competitor, defying expectations and stereotypes with each stride he takes on the court or field. Shaun’s journey as a volunteer mirrors Travis’s athletic odyssey, spanning over thirty years of service to the Special Olympics community.
“Since Travis has been actively involved with the Special Olympics for about 30 years, I have been volunteering for the Special Olympics for about the same amount of time,” Shaun reflects. “Watching what the Special Olympics has meant to my brother over the years has taught me a lot about inclusion and advocacy.”
Their collective dedication, echoed by countless Heartland employees, underscores a profound commitment to fostering a culture of support and inclusion. From the Polar Plunge to state basketball tournaments, the Heartland family stands shoulder to shoulder with the Special Olympics, embracing every triumph, large or small, as a testament to the strength of community and compassion. This enduring commitment underscores not merely a partnership but a profound belief in the transformative influence of passion, perseverance, and steadfast support as Heartland continues its unwavering dedication to organizations like the Special Olympics.
