ABOUT US
Special Olympics Illinois provides year- round opportunities in
sports, leadership, and health, building a more inclusive world alongside people with intellectual disabilities. 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 55,000 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 19 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
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 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 priorities, which serve as guiding principles for the organization’s future growth and impact. These priorities help shape how we serve athletes, families, and communities across the state.
We are currently implementing a strategic plan that will guide our work from 2025 to 2027. 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)
75% PROGRAMMING | 19% FUNDRAISING | 6% MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL
VIEW FULL REPORTS, AUDITS AND MORE
ANNUAL REPORTS
AUDITED FINANCIALS
- 2025 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
- 2024 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
- 2023 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
- 2022 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
- 2021 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
- 2020 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
- 2019 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
- 2018 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
- 2017 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
- 2016 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
- 2015 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report