There’s No Place Like SOFF: Celebrating a Mattoon Tradition

 More than 500 athletes and 750 volunteers came together at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois, on September 19, 2026, for the annual Special Olympics Family Fun Festival (SOFF). It was a day filled with fun, friendship and celebration. 

This year’s theme, “There’s no place like SOFF,” captured the spirit of an event made possible by a community that shows up year after year. 

Fidium was honored to continue our support as a major sponsor, joining other local partners and volunteers, to help create a memorable experience for athletes and their families.

Members of the Fidium team also played a central leadership role in this year's festival -- Fidium commercial customer care managers Jenny Jones and Wendy Guyon served as chair and co-chair. Their involvement reflects a commitment shared by employees across Fidium: helping strengthen the communities where we live and work.

Fidium was joined by several other major local sponsors, including Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, First Mid Bank & Trust, Lake Land College, and Eastern Illinois University. 

The collective commitment among sponsors, local partners, volunteers, coaches and the Mattoon community keeps this beloved tradition going and ensures there is truly "no place like SOFF."

For more event coverage, read The Pantagraph's story.