Champions Ball
Covid Procedures
Unless a venue has specific COVID protocols in place, Special Olympics Illinois is following Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC COVID protocols and guidelines. Please refer to event specific information or website page (if applicable) to determine if the venue has any specific COVID protocols.
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 Champions Ball?
The Champions Ball is an inspirational event for all of those who witness what the athletes show them in ability, not disability. The athletes are thrilled to see the many people who support them at this black tie gala that raises over $1 million dollars for Special Olympics Illinois programming.
The program that Champions Ball attendees experience is also second to none, culminating in a very moving and encouraging cinematic piece that promotes unification, ability and through sport. The confidence that is instilled in the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois by participating in the program is highlighted as we see them encouraged to succeed and be motivated to achieve their dreams off the field of play as well.
Event Details
Join us for a special night in celebrating the more than 21,000 athletes who train and compete year-round with Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL).
The night will be filled with special guest appearances, live and silent auctions, an after party dance and music by Semple Band. Get your sneakers ready for Chicago’s best event.
2022 Champions Ball Co-Chairs
- Kent Pflederer, SVP, General Counsel, Packaging Corporation of America
- Jeffrey Tikkanen, EVP and Special Advisor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
- Bill Ziebell, CEO, Benefits and Human Resources, Gallagher
2022 Champions Ball Committee Chairs
- Chris Duffy, Vice President of Global Supply Chain, Cintas Corporation
- Eileen Sethna, Partner–Banking & Restructuring, Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC
Pat McGann – Emcee and Comedian
McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival and the Nashville Comedy Fest. McGann still calls Chicago home.
Learn more about the 2022 event and reserve your seat today here.
Volunteer Information
Volunteer information coming soon!
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 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 9,000 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.
