SEASPAR Banquet Celebrates Smiles and Successes

During his first outing with the special recreation organization SEASPAR, then five-year-old Jason Grudem showcased a unique bowling style.

Grudem, who doesn’t speak, snatched the ball up with both hands, hauled it over to the lane and launched it directly in front of himself.

On other occasions when Grudem went swimming, Executive Director Susan Friend said it was a challenge to keep the energetic child in the pool. He preferred to scramble over the lane lines, climb out of the pool and leap back in to make the biggest splash possible.

These days, the adult Grudem is an accomplished swimmer.

But more remarkably, the man who was once a nonverbal child now has a voice.

Grudem communicates through an iPod Touch, which enables him to type phrases that the device then speaks on his behalf.

The tool makes it possible for Grudem to work as a clerk at a Bolingbrook Walgreens.

Grudem’s accomplishments both as a SEASPAR athlete and in the workplace earned him the Achievement Award at the organization’s 2nd Annual Believe and Achieve Banquet.

SEASPAR honored its participants and volunteers, as well as its community partners, in a festive dinner Thursday at Ashton Place in Willowbrook that drew roughly 300 guests.

Until last year, the special parks and rec association that serves much of DuPage County held separate banquets for its members and supporters. But in 2010, Friend said the group decided to hold one larger event to recognize everyone together.

“We’re all celebrating the same thing,” Friend said. “There are so many accomplishments day in and day out. … We’re all in it together.”

SEASPAR, which is this year, honored 10 community partners, including St. John’s Council Knights of Columbus and Downers Grove School District 58, for the support they provide throughout the year.

SEASPAR also recognized nearly 20 volunteers for their service, as well as its board members and dozens of full- and part-time staff members.

John Coll was inducted into the Volunteer Hall of Fame for his 19 years coaching sports such as swimming, cross country, and track and field.

“He’s shown that determination, hard work and perseverance can help on and off the playing field,” said Superintendent of Program Development Matt Corso.

Coll said he was shocked to receive the honor—and that his family would be surprised too.

“The No. 1 thing is having fun,” he said. “I enjoy working with the athletes and developing good friendships. A lot of them I’ve known since they were knee high to a duck’s tail.”

Athlete recognition capped off the night, as SEASPAR honored its participants, as well as those athletes who qualified for the state Special Olympics games.

The room erupted in cheers as each SEASPAR participant received a small gift.

“You can never get bored with seeing the smiles,” Corso said. “Tonight is the epitome of the smiles we see all year long.”

Nathan Church had a lot to smile about. The multitalented sportsman, who was crowned SEASPAR’s earlier this year, was selected as Athlete of the Year for his outstanding performance in softball, volleyball, track, hockey and more. 

“He’s truly a year round athlete,” said coach Pat Mukushina. “But it’s about more than athletics. More importantly, he makes it fun for those around him." 

Church, whose favorite sport is soccer, said he agreed. “[My favorite thing] is hanging out with my friends.”

For Friend, it’s incredibly rewarding to see SEASPAR participants grow and mature throughout their years with the program. 

“The biggest joy of my career is going through life’s challenges and triumphs together,” she said. “It’s the best part of my job—that and the people I work with.”

Grudem, once a little boy who didn’t have a voice, perhaps said it best as he spoke at the podium through his iPod: “I like swimming practice. I like friends. … I like coworkers. Thank you SEASPAR.”