Good luck to our athletes competing at State Golf and State Softball this weekend! Learn More

ABOUT US

Special Olympics Illinois transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. The birthplace of the global Special Olympics movement, we help unleash the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world.

OUR ORGANIZATION

SOILL is a non-profit organization providing free life-changing opportunities to a statewide community of more than 60,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and more.

Our story began with our first-ever games at Soldier Field back in July 1968, made possible by the hard work of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her peers. This eventually led to the creation of the global Special Olympics organization, now uniting 5.3 million athletes, Unified Partners, and volunteers across 200 countries.

OUR PROGRAMMING

SPORTS

We offer year-round training and competition in 18 sports, serving athletes of all ages and abilities across Illinois through our traditional, Unified Sports® and Young Athletes programs.

HEALTH

SOILL’s health programs ensure athletes receive ongoing access to quality, community-based care services—including free screenings at events.

LEADERSHIP

Through effective training and helpful resources, we empower athletes and advocates to foster acceptance and friendship, driving positive change statewide.

OUR MISSION

Provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

OUR VISION

Special Olympics Illinois will be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development.

OUR REACH

Traditional athletes (ages 8-80+) with intellectual disabilities

Young Athletes (ages 2-7) with and without intellectual disabilities

Volunteers and coaches

Competitions each year

Olympic-type sports

OUR STRATEGIC PLAN

Special Olympics Illinois’ strategic plan is anchored by its “Core Four” principles, which serve as a blueprint for the organization’s future growth and impact. 

The Core Four guides Special Olympics Illinois as it plans and prioritizes how to best serve future generations. Join us in making a difference—get involved or learn more by contacting us at strategicplan@soill.org.

FUNDRAISING BY THE NUMBERS

Raised through peer-to-peer fundraising

Contributed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run

Cash and in kind (unaudited)

80% PROGRAMMING | 15% FUNDRAISING | 5% MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL
Website Development