When it comes to sports, Naperville athlete April Papke has tried just about everything from tennis to track and field to swimming to gymnastics…but it’s bocce ball that’s taking her to the national stage.
This summer Papke will represent the community at the Special Olympics USA Games after winning gold at the Illinois State Championships.
“I was pretty surprised and very happy, super proud,” she said when she heard the news.
A ‘life-changing journey’
Over the last 15 years, Papke has been competing with the Kendall County Comets for the local Special Olympics
“I enjoy the Special Olympics, competing and just making a lot of friends,” Papke said.
Her mom, who’s also the secretary on the Comets’ executive board, says it’s a journey that’s been “life-changing” for the entire family.
“It really helped [April’s] self-esteem. It helped us realize that April can do things, and she can be very successful,” said Donna Papke. “These kids that we work with, they all have a superpower. They have a purpose, and this is their purpose.”
Donna believes it’s not just the athletes that benefit from the Special Olympics program, but also the greater public.
“Sometimes the general population’s a little bit timid about working with folks with disabilities, and it really helps them learn compassion.”
Living an ‘awesome life’
Off the court, Papke stays busy working at Portillo’s and remains active in the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association and the Awesome Life Academy in Naperville, both nonprofits that support individuals with special needs.
“She always gave 100% effort,” said Brandon Quaintance, the president/founder of Awesome Life Academy. “Win or lose, she was always giving that complete effort. She was also very good at inspiring her teammates.”
She’ll continue giving it her all and supporting Team USA when she heads to Minnesota in June.
“I mean, I hope to win, but it’s all about having fun for me,” said Papke.
“She’s going to be a winner regardless in our book, and we’ll be watching,” said Quaintance. “We’ll be rooting for her.”
More on the Special Olympics USA games
You can also root on this hometown athlete as she represents Naperville during the national Special Olympics, running from June 20 to 26.
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