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Special Olympics Illinois is excited to announce that flag football will become an official sport beginning in 2018. Flag football has been an emerging sport for 3 years and in 2016, more than 800 athletes on 40 teams from 12 different Areas competed in 5 tournaments across the state. Ten new teams expect to compete in the 2017 flag football season.
Marty Hickman, COO for Special Olympics Illinois shared that, “We are excited to add another opportunity for our athletes to compete in this growing sport. Flag football really stresses teamwork and being a good teammate. And, we know being a good teammate helps all of us be more successful.” Hickman also thanked the NFL Foundation and the Special Olympics Illinois Foundation for their financial support to help expand participation in the sport and purchase tournament equipment to ensure quality event experiences for all involved. “Special Olympics Illinois is extremely grateful for the support and is excited to be able to share it with our agencies through start-up kits and uniform packages being offered to new teams.”
There is funding for 13 start-up kits available to new teams. This kit includes footballs, cones, down 
markers, end zone pylons and flag belts allowing teams to host their own competitions. Funding is also available for 10 new teams needing uniforms. Uniforms include shirts, shorts and mouthpieces. If you are a new team and are interested in receiving a start-up kit or uniform package then please contact Justin Dunning at jdunning@soill.org. Teams receiving equipment and/or uniforms must participate in flag football for the 2018-2020 seasons or must return the equipment/uniforms. August 1, 2017 is the start date for awarding start-up kits and uniforms.
Flag football will be a fall sport. Teams are required to compete and win a gold medal in 1 of 4 qualifying tournaments in order to advance to the State Flag Football Tournament. 2018 state tournament details are being finalized but it will be a 1 day event on a weekend in late October – mid-November. Not all Areas offer flag football, but interested teams can still compete if they are able to travel to their assigned qualifying tournament site.
Hickman thanked members of the Sport Management Team for donating their time and talents to the development of the sport. Team members include Shane Bennett, Jerry Blum, Riley Bowlin, Patrick Comerford, Jody Goetting, Paul McIntire, Paul Melzer, Lynde Pavich and Justin Dunning. This group led efforts to build interest in the sport and to expand training and competitions across the state. Please contact Justin Dunning (jdunning@soill.org) if you have questions about starting the a flag football team.