8-year-old boy starts Chicago special-needs soccer team

Windy City LIVE
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
8-year-old boy starts Chicago special-needs soccer team
Cormac Friedlander, 8, started a soccer team in Chicago for special needs children.

Guaranteed Rate and the Chicago White Sox announced their Guaranteed Impact Winners for 2017 - kids making a difference in their communities. And one of the winners, Cormac Friedlander is in studio today to talk about his story.

He is a typical 8 year-old who loves sports. He goes to Francis Parker School, and wanted to join the soccer team - but Cormac has cerebral palsy, and his coordination and speed can't keep up with the other kids in school. His Mom suggested that they look for team for special needs kids. At the time, she couldn't find one, so she contacted the US Youth Soccer organization - and their TOP Soccer program helps create teams just like this across the country.

So they started the Chicago Super Stars - a soccer team open to any kid with special needs.

For being a Guaranteed Impact Winner - Cormac gets to take up to 15 friends and family to a game - in one of the suites, with food and non-alcoholic beverages! They will be recognized during an in-game feature on the videoboard. Cormac's game is this Sunday, Sept. 10th - so to make sure he goes in style, our friends at the White Sox sent over a goodie bag - and a customized jersey and a bat sign by Jose Abreu!!!

For more on the Guaranteed Rate Impact Program, click here.

For more on the Chicago White Sox, click here.

Another milestone Cormac achieved this year - is mastering the 2 wheel bike, which can be difficult for someone with cerebral palsy. The problem? Cormac grew out of his old bike, so our friends over at Kozy's Cyclery sent a brand new 20" bike!!

Since 1944 Kozy's is the Chicago go-to place for all things bicycle - from fitting you to repairs - they have all your bike needs at 5 locations across Chicago.

Check out this Chicago tradition at their website: http://kozy.com/index.cfm?display=entrypage

To find out more about the Chicago Super Stars, visit their website: https://www.chicagosuperstarssoccer.com/

Or find them on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chicagosuperstarstopsoccer/