Region B Snowshoe

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 Snowshoe?

Snowshoe could be considered the winter equivalent of track with many of the same sports skills being used. Athletes can compete in dash and distance events either on snow or grass depending on weather conditions. This versatility allows for individuals in warmer climates to train and compete in a winter sport despite the weather conditions.

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 snowshoe compete locally at a Region Qualifying event. Gold medal winners are eligible to advance to state championships at the Winter Games held in Galena in late January or early February.

Snowshoe Events Offered in Illinois

• 50 Meter Race
• 100 Meter Race
• 200 Meter Race
• 400 meter Race
• 800 Meter Race
• 1600 Meter Race
• 4X100 Meter Relay

Competition Information

All Special Olympics Illinois Snowshoe competitions abide by Special Olympics Inc. rules. Rules can be found at the link below.

2023 Special Olympics Illinois Snowshoe Rule Interpretations

New for 2023 Snowshoe

A time limit rule is in effect for all individual races. Competitors must complete a 50
meter race in under 5 minutes, a 100 meter race in under 7 minutes, a 200 meter race
in under 7 minutes, a 400 meter race in under 10 minutes, an 800 meter race in under
20 minutes and a 1600 meter race in under 30 minutes. Any competitor who submits
an entry time that exceeds these time limits will not be entered into the event. Any
competitor that exceeds these time limits during a race will receive a participation
ribbon and is not eligible to advance to the next level of competition, if applicable.

Facility Information

We will be using the cafeteria for our bullpen, awards and athlete/spectator area. Please enter door where you see the Special Olympics Illinois flag.

Event Details

Below you will find the final schedule of events. Times listed below are when that race will begin to bullpen. Division numbers will be displayed on a projector in the bullpen and athlete names will be called overhead. Athletes will receive 3 calls at the bullpen for a race after the bullpen time listed below. After the third call that athlete will be scratched from that race.

Please keep in mind that times could be slightly earlier or slightly behind due to day of event occurrences.

Volunteer Information

Equipment

Teams are responsible for bringing snowshoes and water.

Awards

Awards will be presented in the awards area once a divisions has finished their race.

Concessions & Souvenirs & Lunch

Concessions and Souvenirs will be for sale in the cafeteria

Lunch will be provided to athletes and coaches on a 4:1 ratio. Lunches will be available after 11:00 a.m. and must be picked up by a coach.

Supporting Documents

2023 Special Olympics Illinois Region B Snowshoe Final Proof 12-20-2022.

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.