Anthem singer Stefan Xidas has his sights set on the Chicago Bulls

Stefan Xidas is a Chicago sports fan who has Down syndrome and another dream that he wants to fulfill — singing the national anthem for the Chicago Bulls.

Stefan Xidas is used to the spotlight.

Xidas, who has Down syndrome, began singing his favorite song “The Star-Spangled Banner” when he was a “young boy who did not have time to be scared” at little league games. He has since graduated all the way to the big leagues and Wrigley Field, singing for a Chicago Cubs game in 2018.

Xidas wore his Anthony Rizzo jersey and a smile on his focused face that memorable day. He shook hands with then Cubs manager Joe Maddon after a raucous ovation from a sold-out crowd.

This past winter, Xidas brought his singing talents to a Northwestern basketball game. Both Wildcat and Purdue fans gave him a lengthy emotion-filled standing ovation. The power that he has over a crowd is real and Xidas’ current goal is to bring joy to another venue — Chicago’s United Center for a Chicago Bulls game.

Stefan Xidas wants to sing the national anthem for a Chicago Bulls game

“I am so anxious to be doing this, I have always been a lifelong Chicago Bulls fan,” Xidas told FanSided in an interview flanked by his family (Stan his Dad, brothers Niko and Jordan), best friend Tom Molitor and singing coach Patty Lupo.

Xidas ended up getting the opportunity to sing at Wrigley Field after his friend Tom Molitor spearheaded the effort with a goal to raise $5000 for Special Olympics.  Molitor sent a video to Cubs owner Tom Ricketts asking if they reached their goal would the Cubs allow Xidas to sing the anthem.

The Xidas team ended up raising over $20,000 which the Cubs matched for a total donation of $40,000 and then offered Xidas the chance to fulfill his dream.

The end result was not surprising for those who know Xidas. He has a way of manifesting the things he wants to happen in his life.

“Stefan had this idea for many years and when he wants something he gets it,” Molitor said and was echoed by everyone in his close circle. Xidas is also a big game performer according to his Dad Stan.

“For some reason, he seems to thrive on it. The bigger the venue the better he does,” Stan Xidas said.

Xidas feels a calling from above to continue to sing wherever and whenever he gets an opportunity.

“God has put a seed in my heart to be who I am. He want me to go out in the world and touch people the way that he did,” Xidas said.

Seems like a stop at the United Center would be a perfect place for Xidas to touch more sports fans this upcoming season.

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