What is Winter Games?
Winter Games is one of 11 state sports competitions. It is the culminating competition for those participating in Alpine Skiing and Snowshoeing. Winter Games is hosted at Chestnut Mountain in Galena, IL. Over 450 athletes will compete in this 3-day event and show off their winning form!
Competition
Competition is offered in Alpine Skiing and Snowshoeing. Athletes cannot participate in more than one sport.
Sports competition runs from Tuesday, Feb. 4, to Thursday, Feb. 6. The public is invited and encouraged to attend any and all parts of Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games.
Volunteer Opportunities
Please click on the button below to register to volunteer for this event.
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.
Alpine Skiing
- Tuesday, 1:30pm Assessments
- Wednesday, 9am – 4pm
- Thursday, 9am – 4pm
Snowshoeing
- Tuesday, Noon-4pm
- Wednesday, 9:00am – 4pm
- Thursday, 9:00am – Noon
Family Activities
Families are an integral part of Special Olympics Illinois and of Winter Games. Parents and family members attending Winter Games should stop by the Family Registration area, located on the lower level of Chestnut Mountain Resort to pick up their family packet and goody bag.
Families are invited to take part in the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday evening in downtown Galena. At 5:30 p.m., the Parade of Athletes will walk through downtown Galena and end up at the Post Office for the official Ceremony ending at 6 p.m. Dress appropriately for the weather – it is all outdoors.
Family members attending Winter Games will also be invited to the Eagle Ridge Reception from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. Space is limited so pre-registration is required for attendance at this event. The dress is business casual. Light appetizers will be served and guests will enjoy presentations, socializing with other families, sponsors, volunteers, Board members and staff.
Family members are also invited to the Victory Dance at Chestnut Mountain or the Ramada from 7:30 – 9 p.m. Wednesday. The dance is typically a highlight for many of the athletes as they get to dance away the night!
Additional Family Information:
Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony and the Parade of Athletes will be in downtown Galena beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Line-up will begin at 5:15 p.m. on Green Street near the historic Post Office building. Agencies will line up behind their Region flag. The parade will progress through the downtown area and back to the Post Office area where Opening Ceremony will be held. Finally, to top off the Ceremony, Law Enforcement Torch Run officers will hand off the torch to athletes who will carry it along its path and light the cauldron holding the Flame of Hope to kick off the Games! Please dress appropriately for the weather – it is all outdoors.
Dinner Downtown
After the Opening Ceremony, agencies will be escorted to local restaurants for dinner. Please check your agency’s registration packet for more detailed information.
Winter Games Reception
The Winter Games Reception will be at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Tuesday. The dress is business casual. Light appetizers will be served and guests will enjoy presentations, socializing with other families, sponsors, volunteers, Board members and staff.
Victory Dance
The Victory Dance will be from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Chestnut Mountain and Crossroads Community Church. The dance gives the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and to socialize with others from around the state. Old friends will catch up and new friends will be made. The smiles and joy of the athletes are a testament to how Special Olympics Illinois helps transform lives.
Souvenirs
Souvenir hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm on Tuesday and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Wednesday. Items range from $ 3 to $55 and will include clothing and other traditional souvenir items. The vendor will sell Winter Games specific t-shirts and sweatshirts. 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.
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. Please click here: (Winter Games Interactive Souvenir Flier Interactive SO Winter Games 2020 or go to www.soillstatestore.com to view items and submit your pre-order.
Text Alerts & Event Status Updates
In case of inclement weather, schedule changes or cancellations check the website here for updates. Please sign up for the text alert. This alert will send you any last minute changes in the Winter Games Schedule. Please text “Winter” to 844-393-0980 to receive Winter Games related text alerts.
Lodging in Galena
View the Visit Galena site for information on lodging and activities in Galena.