Region A Spring Games

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.

Please check with your Region staff on the status of spectators attending competitions.  The decision on allowing spectators is based on the facility being used for the competition, the rules they have and the amount of people above the number of registered athletes and coaches they can safely accommodate. It is very important you relay to all parents and guardians if spectators will be allowed at this competition.

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 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 – 4X100 and 4X400 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

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 12^th, 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. 

Facility Information

Region A Spring Games will use the track and surround green space.

Due to the amount of athletes, coaches and spectators, along with other possible school sporting events, 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 Ceremonies. 

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 an area 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.

Event Details

This event is a qualifier for state summer games.

Registration – 8:30am

All head coaches will need to present 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 – 9:00am

Opening ceremonies starts at 9:00 AM and all agencies are invited to participate.  All teams will be announced and 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 12, 2022.

Competition – 10:00am

Volunteer Information

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Equipment

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

Awards

Awards will be distributed after each division has completed.

Concessions

Concessions will be available.

All registered athletes and coaches will be provided lunch.  This will consist of a hot dog, chips, cookie and water.  Lunch will be available starting at 11:00 AM.

Supporting Documents

2022 Region A Spring Games Final Rosters Delegation-Athlete-Time

2022 Region A Spring Games Final Rosters Delegation-Time-Athlete

2022 Region A Spring Games Schedule

2022 Spring Games Memo

2022 Region A Spring Games Harlem High School Map

2022 DoAnn Geiger Outstanding Awards

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

2022 Region A Spring Games Results

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.