Thursday, August 20 at 2:00 pm, friends and family including Beloit College alum and faculty gathered with IGE workers and staff to dedicate the Herbert H. Hodges Track & Fitness Complex located at Illinois Growth Enterprises, 7200 Clinton Road in Loves Park. The date of the dedication would have been Cedric Blazer’s 79th birthday.

“This project took over fifteen years of planning,” explained Dale Sanders, IGE’s CEO. “I recall Cedric’s surprise announcement at our 25^th anniversary. He wanted to honor his mentor and friend, Herb Hodges. Mr. Hodges was the first executive director of Illinois Growth Enterprises back in 1970.”

Before he death in June, 2008, Cedric Blazer, a successful businessman and philanthropist, made good on his promise to DoAnn Geiger, a long-time board member at IGE. He generously contributed funds to IGE for a ¼ mile European style track. Following his wishes, the CWB Foundation trustees have named it the Herbert H. Hodges Track & Fitness Complex, in honor of Mr. Blazer’s Beloit College track coach and mentor. These two men were life-long friends.

Mr. Blazer believed that he was fortunate to have been born in America where freedom and opportunity abound. He believed, however, that despite the many opportunities afforded most Americans eager to work, for those born with disabilities, the “playing field” would never be even. Mr. Blazer believed that he had the duty and the obligation to even that playing field.

The Herbert H. Hodges Track & Fitness Complex makes it possible for the adults with disabilities working at IGE to participate in fitness activities during their breaks. It will also be used by Special Olympics teams for practice sessions. Debbie Kelly, Special Olympics Northwest Illinois Director states, “We are so excited about having a practice facility available for all of our teams. Our participants will enjoy using this complex to prepare for track and field competitions, as well as soccer and bocce ball tournaments. It will be great for one of our more popular winter sports too, snowshoeing.”