Area 16 / Starved Rock
Area 16 was founded in 1976 and provides programming for people in the counties of Bureau, Grundy, Henry, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam and Stark.
There are many opportunities available for you to get involved with Special Olympics including serving as a volunteer or committee member, helping with fundraising, or competing as an athlete. If you live in the Area and want to find out more about the local program, please contact the Area Director.
Download the Area Profile Sheet for more information
Area 16 Contact Info
Allison Nichols – Area Director
P.O. Box 317
Utica, IL 61373
Phone: 815-220-8128
Fax: 815-220-8150
Events
What is the Harley Raffle?
Since 1998, the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association has sponsored a Harley-Davidson Raffle to benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Illinois. To date, more than $2.6 million has been raised through this raffle for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois 
(SOILL).
This year’s bike of choice is the 2018 HD Street Glide, valued at more than $20,000. George and Sue Ann Tragos, owners of CHI-TOWN, have donated a portion of the bike to SO ILL.
Through this partnership, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® has been exposed to new events to showcase the bike and sell tickets.
This years Harley Finalist Party will be held at Chi Town Harley on Saturday, November 3rd. The 6 Finalist (drawn on October 19th) will be invited to the party to determine who will be the grand-prize winner of the 2018 HD Street Glide.
Bike Information for LETR Departments
Law enforcement departments are encouraged to sell Harley Davidson raffle tickets at all of their local events. Departments are also able to check-out the Harley to have on site at their events. To request tickets or to check-out the bike, please call 1-800-394-0562.
Departments are responsible for transporting the bike to and from their event. Please watch the informational video below on how to load and unload the bike from the provided trailer.
What is the UTV Raffle?
Since 2016, the Maple Park Police Department has sponsored an UTV Raffle to benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. Over two years, more than $74,000 has been raised through ticket sales. This year, the UTV Raffle will feature a 2017 Can-AM Defnder HD5 valued at $9,999. We would like to thank Jim Potts Motor Group for providing this year’s vehicle.
The Can-Am Defender HD5 was engineered to be tough, capable and clever to excel at everything you demand of it. The Defender offers three very capable true-work power plant options. The 72-hp Rotax HD10 V-Twin is specifically tuned for serious work but also offers 61 lbs-ft torque and peak torque at lower RPM for optimal delivery for recreational use. The work focused Rotax HD8 V-Twin delivers 50-hp and 50 lbs-ft torque for tough tasks. To simply get the job done, meet your new yardstick; the new Defender HD5 single cylinder Rotax engine delivering 38-hp. The Defender is now the sharpest tool in the shed.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online, through your local Law Enforcement Torch Run department or by calling Special Olympics Illinois at 1-800-394-0562. Each $10 raffle ticket sold allows a Special Olympics athlete to do their very best in one of our 17 offered sports.
What is Fall Games?
Fall Games is one of 9 state sports competitions. It is the culminating competition for those winning a gold medal at a local event in Volleyball and those participating in Equestrian. More than 700 athletes compete over this weekend and bring the joy of sport to Rockford!
Location
SITE: Rockford, Illinois
- Equestrian – BraveHearts at the Bergmann Centre, Poplar Grove
- Volleyball – Harlem High School, Machesney Park
Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to help at the Volleyball venue on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday and Sunday. If you are interested in volunteering click on one of the links below for the date you want to register for and you can sign up online. If you want to register for more then one shift, then once you are logged into our system you can pick the next date and venue from the drop down menu.
Competition
Equestrian
Do you love horses? Then Equestrian is the sport for you. The Equestrian competition will be conducted at Bra
veHearts at the Bergmann Centre in Poplar Grove. Athletes registered to compete in Dressage, English Equitation or Showmanship will compete on Saturday. Stock Seat Equitation will compete on Saturday or Sunday. Those athletes registered for Working Trails will compete on Sunday. Equestrian patterns will be sent out at least 2 weeks before the competition
Volleyball
Volleyball is a fantastic sport to both watch and play. Special Olympics Illinois team competition brings the best teams in the state together in an exciting event. Competition is offered for both traditional and Unified teams. Unified teams will participate in screening games prior to final divisions being determined. Games will start as scheduled and IHSA rules will govern all tournament play. Athletes competing in volleyball team competition will be required to wear appropriate attire. No jeans or jean shorts will be allowed.
Athletes may also compete in Volleyball skills. Skills competition will be on Saturday, at Harlem High School. Competition will begin at 10am on Saturday and awards will be presented after all skills competitions are completed. Athletes competing in skills will be required to wear appropriate attire. No jeans or jean shorts will be allowed for any athlete in skills competition.
Tentative Competition Times
All times listed below are tentative and subject to change once event specific schedules are determined. Times only reflect actual competition times and do not include time frames for coach meetings, weigh-in times, etc. For a final schedule please check the Supporting Documents section close to competition day.
Volleyball
- Saturday, 10am-4pm
- Sunday, 8am-3pm
Equestrian
- Saturday, 8am-4pm
- Sunday, 8am-4pm
Families
Families are always encouraged to attend Special Olympics Illinois events to watch their athletes compete. Families Registration/Hospitality is open for all families and family members attending the Fall Games competition. Families should stop by Families Registration at both the Volleyball and Equestrian venues to pick up an event packet, giveaway and free tickets for the family raffle. Local refreshments and donuts will also be available as well as visitors’ information for the Rockford area. Concessions will be available at Harlem High School for families to purchase snack and lunch items. A food truck will be at the Equestrian venue both Saturday and Sunday.
The hospitality areas will be open at the following times:
Saturday
Equestrian – 7:30am – 1:30pm- Volleyball – 8:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday
- Equestrian – 7:30am – 11:00am
- Volleyball – 7:30am – 11:00am
Families are also invited to attend the Family Dessert Reception immediately following Opening Ceremony from 7pm – 8:30pm at Harlem High School. We hope you will join us for some delicious desserts, snacks and fun while the athletes are enjoying the dance.
Opening Ceremony
In the ancient tradition of the Olympics, the Opening Ceremony will be held to help kick off the games. The Opening Ceremony will start at 6:30pm in the Harlem High School main gymnasium. Areas will be assigned seating in the main gymnasium. Agencies may begin seating for Opening Ceremony at 6pm as there is no parade of athletes at this event.
Victory Dance
Everyone loves the victory dance and the Fall Games dance is especially fun thanks to all the athletes and coaches who come dressed in costume! This year the dance will take place at Harlem High School after Opening Ceremony on Saturday. The dance will be from 7-8:30pm in the main gymnasium. So make sure to wear your best dancing shoes and everyone is encouraged to come in costume if they so desire.
Souvenirs
Souvenirs will be sold on Saturday at the equestrian venue and Saturday and Sunday at the volleyball venue. Items will be sold at Harlem High School from 9:00am – 3:00pm on Saturday and 8am – 1pm on Sunday and at the Equestrian venue, Saturday 9:00am – 2:00pm. Items range from $1 to $55 and include clothing and other traditional souvenir items. Cash and most major credit cards are accepted for souvenir sales. CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. Souvenir items are offered by Minerva Promotions and a percentage of sales are given to Special Olympics Illinois.
***Pre-Order Information: You can save time and pre-order items and pick them up on-site! If you want to personalize any items then you must pre-order them. On-site customization is not offered at the tournament. Minerva Promotions is offering a free 50th Anniversary Pop Socket with every preorder! Please go to www.soillstatestore.com or click here Interactive Souvenir Flyer Fall Games to view items and submit your preorder.
Weather
In case of inclement weather, schedule changes or cancellations check the website here for updates. You can also subscribe to our text alert system by texting the word “Fall” to 77453.
Supporting Documents
2018 Fall Games Meal Order Form
2018 Fall Games Agency List With Final Divisions
2018 Fall Games Volleyball Final Divisions And Schedule
2018 Fall Games Equestrian Competition Memo
2018 Fall Games Equestrian Schedule updated 10.11.18
2018 Equestrian Class List updated 10.11.18
2018 Fall Games Event Handbook Memo
2018 Fall Games Event Handbook
Interactive Souvenir Flyer Fall Games
- For assistance in securing a hotel room for this event please visit: www.rockfordchamber.com.
Trail Pattern Gate Setup
Join Minooka Police Department at the 11th annual Trivia Night! It will be a night filled with fun, laughter, a little bit of competition and a whole lot of prizes!
There are a variety of ways to fully dive into this years event!
Dress Up: The team with the best theme by dressing up and decorating their table will win a prize!
Competition: The team that answers the most questions correct will win a table for next year’s Trivia Night and will take home the trophy!
What will you win? We will have a variety of raffle prizes, door prizes, and silent auction items as well as a 50/50 raffle as well! More information to come!
Teams up to 10 are encouraged to sign up. Each participant is asked to pay $25.00 for a whole of $250.00 per team. Food, a t-shirt, and a boat load of fun come along with!
Bring your family and friends for a fun (and haunted) trot around downtown Huntley to raise awareness for Special Olympics Illinois!
Click here to volunteer.
Attention all Magic The Gathering Fans? Do you have what it takes to battle some of the best while raising money for Special Olympics Illinois? Then this event is for you!
Come to enjoy 10 different themed rounds of fun!
Costumes are encouraged and prizes for the best individual
costume, best team costume and best table decorations will be awarded!
$20 player or $200 table/ 10
Doors Open at 6:00p.m.
Trivia Begins at 7:00 p.m.
What is State Flag Football?
State Flag Football is one of 9 state sports competitions. It is the culminating competition for those participating in Flag Football. State Flag Football is hosted at the Avanti’s Dome in Pekin.
Competition
State Flag Football is a stand-alone competition and serves as a showcase for our Flag Football athletes to demonstrate the skills they have learned throughout the year. Everyone is encouraged to attend this premiere state tournament so make sure you don’t miss this great event!
Volunteers
Volunteers are needed in a variety of roles at our State Flag Football competition. Please click on the link below to check out all the available shifts and register to volunteer!
Tentative Competition Times
All times listed below are tentative and subject to change once event specific schedules are determined. Times only reflect actual competition times and do not include time frames for coach meetings, team registration, etc. For a final schedule please check the Supporting Documents section close to competition day.
- Sunday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony will take place at the Avanti’s Dome beginning at 8:30 am on Sunday. We ask that all athletes be on the fields before the ceremony begins. All other athletes, coaches and spectators should be seated in the chairs or bleachers in the dome.
Families
Stop by the family registration located in the main lobby to receive you event packet and a raffle ticket for the FREE Raffle. Don’t forget to wear your credentials. If you don’t have famiy credentials, you can order them at the event – these are FREE to families. Hours are as follows:
Hours: 8:30am – 2:00pm Sunday
Souvenirs
Souvenir items will be sold on-site from 8:00am – 2:00pm. Items range from $1 to $55 and will include clothing and other traditional souvenir items. Cash and most major credit cards will be accepted for souvenir sales. CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. Souvenir items are offered by Minerva Promotions and a percentage of sales are given to Special Olympics Illinois.
***Pre-Order Information: You can save time and pre-order items and pick them up on-site! If you want to personalize any items then you must pre-order them. On-site customization is not offered at the tournament. Minerva Promotions is offering a free 50th Anniversary Pop Socket with every preorder! Please go to www.soillstatestore.com or click here Interactive SO State Flag Football to view items and submit your preorder.
Weather
In case of inclement weather, schedule changes or cancellations check the website here for updates. You can also call 309-888-2000 Ext. 245 or receive updates via our text alert system by texting Flag2018 to 77453. The Text Alert System will be open for registration starting October 23.
Supporting Documents
2018 State Flag Football Event Handbook Memo
2018 State Flag Football Event Handbook
2018 State Flag Football Agency List