Region D Spring Games Opening Ceremony

What Is the Opening Ceremony?

Join with the Region D athletes, coaches and volunteers as we kick off a week of track and field events. Opening Ceremony at Soldier Field is a long-standing tradition with the Special Olympics Illinois program in Chicago. Dignitaries from the city show their admiration and respect for the athletes; local entertainment wows the crowd, athletes parade across the field and the program ends with the lighting of the cauldron.

Facility Information

The stands will be available for seating, bathrooms will be open, parking off of Waldron Drive will be available.

Event Details

• Volunteer check in – 8:30 AM
• Agency/team check in- 9:00-9:30 AM
• Ceremony begins – 10:00 AM
• Event ends around 12:30 PM

Volunteer Information

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Equipment

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Concessions

Lunch will be provided to athletes and coaches (on a 3:1) ratio.

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 Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. 

If you are interested in being a part of Special Olympics Illinois and its vision, contact your local region, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website. Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.  

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. Each 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