Region I Swimming

COVID Procedures

All participants should self-screen prior to arriving at this event and should remain home if feeling unwell or displaying coronavirus symptoms.

Vaccination is not required to attend in person events.

SOILL will have hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes/spray and other cleaning/sanitizing products on-site.

Special Olympics Illinois has made the decision to not allow spectators at all 2022 SOILL hosted swimming competitions. This decision was made with considerations of all facilities that SOILL uses due to social distancing concerns in the spectator seating space and gym space.

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to providing the best athlete, volunteer, coach and supporter environment possible.  While we are excited to resume in-person events, the health and well-being of our constituents remains our top priority.  All of our in person events follow the COVID-19 recommended IDPH and CDC guidelines. 

Please review the COVID High-Risk fact sheet for more information:

https://www.soill.org/wp-content/uploads/2-High-Risk-Fact-Sheet-7.9.20.pdf

What is Swimming?

Swimming, which is considered a lifetime activity, is appropriate for a range of ages and abilities. Competition events are based on a variety of strokes.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in swimming compete locally in a Region Qualifier. Gold medal winners from the regions are then eligible to advance to the state championship held at the Summer Games in Normal in June.

Swimming Events Offered in Illinois

• Backstroke – 25, 50 and 100 Meter
• Breaststroke – 25, 50, and 100 Meter
• Butterfly – 25, 50 and 100 Meter
• Freestyle – 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 Meter
• Individual Medley – 100 Meter (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle)
• Relays – 4X25 Meter, 4X50 Meter, 4X100 Meter Freestyle, 4X25 Meter Medley (Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle

Competition Information

Competition – Athletes will compete in their registered event and division according to the schedule. We will try to follow the schedule as closely as possible, but please be prepared to compete earlier than scheduled.

Facility Information

The ARC is on the U of I campus to the North of Memorial Field. Participants can park in the parking lot to the West of the building, parking is free on the weekends no need to pay the meter. Mask will be required to be worn by all participants and spectators.

Event Details

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM Registration for Athletes/ Volunteers
Warm-up for Athletes (this may be pushed back)
9:45AM Coaches meeting with Jackie
10:00AM -10:15AM Opening Ceremonies
10:30 AM Competition Begins
12 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch (available after athletes compete in their events)

Volunteer Information

Equipment

Water will be provided, but we encourage athletes to bring their own water bottle. They will also need to bring their own towel, goggles and shoes that can be worn outside and onto the pool deck. Coaches we suggest bringing chairs/blankets to sit on during breaks.

Awards

Awards will be presented after the completion of each event. If an athlete misses an award Coach may pick up the award, we will not be doing multiple award ceremonies.

Concessions

Lunch will be provided to registered atheletes, coaches and all day volunteers. Water will be available to all and The ARC has a concession area.

Supporting Documents

To see a complete list of all State Championship Competitions, click here.

To find out more information about the Knights of Columbus, who support Special Olympics Illinois throughout the year, click here.

Who We Are

Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world.  Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.  Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life.  Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.