Robert “Rob” Kelley of Bloomington, Illinois, has competed for eight seasons in tennis as a Unified partner for Special Olympics. Through this experience, Rob has become a good friend to and supporter of athletes, coaches and staff. He will represent Special Olympics USA as a Unified partner in tennis. Rob is inspired by the close-knit community that is Special Olympics, spreading that same feeling to everyone with whom he interacts. For the past eight years, he has competed with athlete Drew, who uplifts Rob’s spirits when they are together.
30 years ago, Rob suffered a fluke seizure, which gave him a deep appreciation for life. He is retired from State Farm Insurance, where he was employed as the assistant vice president in the property and casualty actuarial department. He currently tutors part-time at Heartland Community College and volunteers at his church. Drew and Rob train regularly together, preparing for the experience of a lifetime.