Orland Park honors Owls Special Olympics Illinois flag football state champions

Orland Park’s Committee of the Whole publicly recognized the Owls Special Olympics Illinois flag football team for winning the state championship in Peoria, where the team defeated the Rockford Red Hots 37–3.

Program leaders Nick Harvey and Justin Banks and head coach Mikaela Trail were introduced. Trail described the season as “tremendous,” saying the team overcame obstacles and remained competitive throughout regional play and the state tournament: "We had a tremendous season, starting with our regional tournament coming out quite victorious... These guys and gals never wavered in any obstacle that came in their way leading up into the state tournament." Board members and trustees thanked coaches, volunteers and parents and invited the team and board to take a photograph.

Trustees emphasized community pride and volunteer contributions. The committee recessed before moving on to remaining agenda items.