The Illinois Lottery and Special Olympics Illinois are proud to announce the first U.S. Lottery game to benefit Special Olympics. Former Gov. Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 219 at the 2014 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 13, 2014, at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium in Normal.
“There are few things as inspiring as watching a Special Olympics competition,” said Gov. Quinn. “The athletes’ cheerful determination can brighten anyone’s day. With this Lottery ticket, we are returning the favor by helping more of these competitors realize their Olympic dreams.”
The scratch-off ticket is now available at over 8,100 retailers around the state. The tickets cost $5 
and will feature four top instant prizes of $250,000, among other cash prizes. The new game will provide funds for training and competition programs that benefit nearly 22,000 Special Olympics athletes in Illinois from all 102 Illinois counties. These funds will also allow for the organization to continue transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Lottery ticket will help Special Olympics Illinois offer increased participation for eligible athletes in the state as well as pursue additional national and international opportunities for their existing athletes. New money generated from the Lottery game will not be used for administrative expenses.
“We are incredibly grateful for the launch of the first-ever Special Olympics Lottery ticket, and thankful for the strong support received from Illinois legislators,” said Dave Breen, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. “Funds raised from this ticket will lead to further innovation and program growth, and expand opportunities for current and future generations of Special Olympics Illinois athletes, their families and volunteers throughout Illinois.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbgtsn-1Gv4&feature=youtu.be
Specialty games like the Special Olympics Illinois ticket personify the heart and soul of the Lottery. The Special Olympics Illinois ticket will be offered as part of a rotating schedule of special Lottery instant games that benefit causes such as Illinois veterans, the fight against breast cancer, assistance for people living with HIV-AIDS, and research efforts into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis. Since 2006, the Lottery has raised nearly $36 million in total for these special causes.
Please visit your local Lottery retailer today and purchase your ticket to help Special Olympics Illinois give the Power of Sport to one more person!