Region A Spring Games and Soccer Competition

What Is Athletics (Track and Field)?

Athletics offers a wide variety of traditional track and field events. Competition is also provided for athletes with lower ability levels in a variety of development track and field events.

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 compete in athletics compete locally at their region Spring Games. Gold medal winners are eligible to advance to the state championship held at the Summer Games in Normal in June.

Athletics Events Offered in Illinois

• 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500- and 3000-meter-run
  • 100, 400- and 800-meter-race walk
  • Running long jump
  • High jump
  • Shotput and wheelchair shotput
  • Relays – 4×100 and 4×400 meter run, 4×25 meter wheelchair and 4×100 meter walk
  • Pentathlon (100, 400 meter run, running long jump, high jump and shotput)
  • 25, 30 slalom, 100- and 200-meter non-motorized wheelchair race

Developmental Events

• 10, 25- and 50-meter assisted walk
  • 30 and 50-meter motorized wheelchair slalom
  • Standing long jump
  • High jump
  • Softball throw
  • Tennis ball throw

Competition Information

Spring Games will include athletics competition and soccer will be seven on seven. Athletes and teams that win a gold medal will qualify for Summer Games.

All athletes need to be at your staging area at the start time of your events.  For efficiency, no heats will be held if an athlete is not where they need to be when their division is called.  Athletes who are not present will be scratched and will not be able to compete in the event. If you have a conflict with an athlete in two events scheduled at the same time, this needs to be communicated as soon as possible prior to May 10th, so we can discuss.  Track events take precedent over field events.

If you have scratches, please communicate as soon as you know.  On the day of the event, these will need to be turned in to Tournament Central as you register your team.

Please plan accordingly when traveling to ensure you arrive with enough time and take into account potential traffic and construction and the shuttle option.  Please make sure you dress for the elements and are following the uniform requirements stated in the rule interpretations. There are NO jeans allowed.  We are hoping for a sunny day, so please remember sun screen if needed

Facility Information

Region A Spring Games will use the track and surrounding areas at Harlem High School.

Due to the amount of athletes, coaches and spectators, along with scheduled school sporting events and construction at the High School, shuttle parking is available at Schnucks – 1810 Harlem Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111.  Shuttle buses will continually run from this location to Harlem High School throughout the day.  Please consider this parking option.  Space is extremely limited at Harlem High School.  If you show up and expect to park without using the shuttle option, you may miss your event and Opening Ceremony. 

No dogs are allowed at the venue unless they are service dogs.   

There is a grassy area behind the bleachers that teams are able to set up to meet at and rest during down time. Feel free to bring a pop up tent and claim a spot so everyone can meet up when needed. We cannot use large tents that are staked into the ground due to Harlem’s electrical and water systems.  Please ensure that there are no spikes or large stakes used for tenting.

Event Details

This event is a qualifier for Summer Games.

Registration will be at 8:30 AM.
Opening Ceremony will be at 9:00 AM.
Events begin at 10:00 AM.

A few events may run before Opening Ceremony and will be communicated closer to the event.

All head coaches will need to present a photo ID to register. Only head coaches will register the entire team. Registration takes place in the registration tent starting at 8:30 AM. The spot will be marked and staffed by volunteers to get you your team packets and information on the day. Individual athletes need to locate their team to receive their information.

Opening ceremonies starts at 9:00 AM and all agencies are invited to participate. All teams will be announced and participate in the parade in the stadium. Lineup will occur on the northwest side of the stadium and volunteers will be there to help agencies get into alphabetical order. Bring your team banners. The Muffet Flott Spirit Award will be given to the team that enters the track with the most team spirit, so be creative and have fun!

The DoAnn Geiger Outstanding Awards will be given out during the Opening Ceremony. Please fill out the nomination form if you have an athlete, coach or volunteer that you would like to nominate. These are due back by May 13.

Volunteer Information

Click on the button below to register as a volunteer.

Equipment

Athletes should bring their own PPE’s and water. Lunch will be provided.

Awards

Awards will be given after heats finish in designated areas.

Concessions

Lunch will be provided for all registered athletes, coaches and volunteers. Concession stand is available for purchase. Water will be placed throughout the venue for athletes as needed.

Supporting Documents

2022 Region A Spring Games Schedule

Region A Spring Games Harlem Layout

2023 Region A Spring Games Final Roster with Schedule by Delegation, Athlete and Time

2023 Region A Spring Games Final Roster with Schedule by Delegation, Time and Athlete

One lists your athletes, and then the time they are to be at events.  The other list the times, and which athletes are to be where.  I wanted to include both so you could utilize whatever works best for you. 

2023 Region A Spring Games Final Divisions

2023 Region A Soccer Brackets

2023 Region A Soccer Final Divisions

2023 Region A Soccer Schedule

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.

Results

2023 Region A Spring Games Results by Delegation

2023 Region A Soccer Brackets – Final

2023 Region A Soccer Final Divisions with Final Place

All Gold Medal winners qualify to advance to the 2023 State Summer Games to be held on June 9-11 in Normal, Il. 

Entry paperwork for Summer Games can be found here:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GJW7Qy3SjAXx9bjlfddxTVncfh2BkabB.  Please note that if you have multiple event entries, they should be submitted all at once.  This would include Swimming, Bocce, Athletics, Soccer, Powerlifting and other sports that are held with Summer Games.  Region A State Summer Games entries are due to me by 12:   PM on May 16.  Summer Games has additional paperwork necessary to fill out so be sure you are looking at the Summer Games Registration Form to ensure you are submitting all necessary paperwork.  Athletes may only advance in one sport, so if they qualified for more than that, they will need to pick which sport to compete in. 

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.

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