Palatine powerlifter named to Special Olympics board

Garret Anderson - a 26-year-old competitive powerlifter, sign language instructor, two-time Regal Cinema Employee of the Month and Special Olympics Global Ambassador from Palatine - added another title to his list after being named to the Special Olympics Illinois board of directors to represent the athletes of northern Illinois.

Anderson, who has been involved with Special Olympics since 2000, has long been an advocate for people with disabilities, according to his mother, Sharon Anderson.

"He has always had the goal to talk to the president and let him know that people with disabilities are like the last bastion of minorities that really need to be looked at differently," Sharon Anderson said.

Karen Milligan, director of Athlete Leadership Programs & Families for Special Olympics Illinois, said Anderson will spend a lot of time at events and fundraising, which she thinks will come easily him.

"He has some wonderful ideas," Milligan said. "We are really looking forward to his enthusiasm and passion."