Flagging the play: Beardstown native to represent Illinois in Special Olympics

Dec. 18—While the ocean and Walt Disney World hold some appeal for Ryan Peacock, his upcoming trip to Florida will be all about helping his team make the play.

Peacock, 40, is one of 10 Special Olympians picked from throughout the state to represent Illinois in flag football during the Special Olympics 2022 USA Games in June.

"I'm going to try my best," Peacock said.

Peacock, who was born in Jacksonville, has been a Special Olympian for about 25 years in Beardstown. He plays various sports, including track, basketball, softball, bowling and weight lifting, and has competed at the state level with his teams. This is the first time he has been selected to compete at the national level.

"Very surprised," Peacock said. "I said 'yes, I'll play'."

He's excited about flag football, he said.

"I really like throwing the ball, pulling the flags," Peacock said. "We keep moving, like regular football."

Though he said he is better at some positions than others, he has learned to play all positions on the team and is excited to play with his new teammates and coaches. He doesn't yet know what positions he'll play once he reaches Florida.

His mother, Tammy Cost Dodds, said Peacock already has met his coaches and a few of his new teammates.

"He never meets a stranger," she said. "He is happy to talk or help anyone."

While Peacock has been playing flag football in Beardstown for two years, he will be playing with new teammates from around the state while in Florida.

"He is really competitive," Cost Dodds said. "He's always liked competing and sports. He's been really active in Special Olympics and he's done so many things."

Cost Dodds will travel to Florida, following the team, and will take her son to the beach and Disney World to celebrate his selection to the state team, she said.

"This is a huge accomplishment and I'm so proud of him," Cost Dodds said.

Along with playing with his new team, Peacock said he is excited to see the ocean.

"I want to see how big it is," he said. "I like water. I'm looking forward to it all, the ocean and Disney World."

Peacock will play June 5-12. More information on the Games can be found at bit.ly/3FlGrLf.

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