Cotts
returns to ISU to help Special Olympics Illinois
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[DEC. 5, 2005]
NORMAL -- There was more than an Illinois State
men's basketball game going on Saturday at Redbird Arena, as former
Redbird pitcher and current Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Neal
Cotts returned to campus to help the Special Olympics Illinois.
Cotts signed autographs after the ISU game versus Wisconsin-Green
Bay, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.
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Approximately 450 fans waited in line patiently to have T-shirts,
hats, baseballs and pictures signed by the Game 2 World Series
winner. Cotts said he was more than happy to help out a great
organization like the Special Olympics. "The turnout was great,
and I am just glad I could do something to help them out," said
Cotts. "I helped with the Special Olympics in Chicago for their
opening ceremonies and enjoyed the experience. This was a great
opportunity for me to help again, and I'm glad we raised a lot of
money today."
The event raised $2,255 dollars for Special Olympics Illinois.
Special Olympics athletes were on hand to help collect money and get
their chance to meet Cotts. Kyle Moore, the development manager for
Special Olympics Illinois, Central Region, was thankful to the World
Series champion for helping out the organization.
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![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2005/Dec/05/images/ads/current/maple_ridge_9-24-04.jpg) |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2005/Dec/05/images/ads/current/school%20jacket%20lda%2011-11-05%20.jpg) "It's unbelievable for someone of Neal's stature, who has done
something that amazing, to want to help our athletes," said Moore.
"There are nearly 20,000 athletes statewide that compete year-round
for Special Olympics Illinois. All the money raised tonight will
help fund their athletics abilities so our athletes don't have to
pay to compete. You just can't ask for anything more."
Cotts and the defending World Series champion Chicago White Sox
return to action April 2 with a 7 p.m. start against the Cleveland
Indians. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 and will be
the first game of the 2006 Major League Baseball season.
[Illinois
State University news release from Mike Williams] |