McHugh Construction supports Special Olympics

Construction Dive – As the Special Olympics celebrated 50 years, representatives from James McHugh Construction Co. joined community and civic leaders in Chicago on July 20th for the unveiling of Eternal Flame of Hope monument at Soldier Field. The monument pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics, which held its first games in Chicago in 1968.

Former principal of McHugh Construction, the late Jack McHugh, was among the first supporters of Special Olympics. In 1968, the Chicago-based general contractor contributed to its first games in Chicago. In 1969, Jack McHugh founded the Special Children’s Charites, the first non-profit organization to support the Special Olympics. McHugh also helped recruit celebrities, including Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra, to support the cause. He was the president of the Chicago Park District in 1982. 

Fifty years later, McHugh Construction’s support continued with the completion of the pro-bono installation of the Eternal Flame of Hope monument and construction of the monument plaza, which includes 8,250 square-feet of concrete paving; 228 cubic-yards of concrete; and 30 tons of granite, visible on visitor benches and donor plaques. A partnership among six Chicago-area contractors who contributed goods or services, and more than 2,200 workhours brought the plaza to life. It will remain a beacon of hope and recognition for the Special Olympics for decades to come.

“McHugh Construction has been a steadfast supporter of the Special Olympics and all it stands for in Chicago and across the globe,” said Dave Alexander, president of McHugh Construction. “We are proud to have contributed to the construction and installation of the Eternal Flame of Hope and look forward to continuing our support for the Special Olympics and its tremendous athletes in the years to come.” 

More information about the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics, please visit www.specialolympics.org/50th.

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