Region D Unified Champion Schools – IHSA Unified Basketball

What Is Unified Basketball?

One of the most popular sports in Illinois, basketball provides competition for five-on-five Unified teams. Unified sports combine a Special Olympics athletes with non-disabled peers on teams for competition.

In the Special Olympics context, the term “Inclusive Sports” has two distinct but closely intertwined meanings. One refers to giving people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports – that is, to enable them to be included in the life experience of being an athlete. The other refers to sports activities that athletes of all abilities participate in together – inclusively. Unified Champion School’s Inclusive Sport component covers both in a youth centered framework.

The Unified Champion Schools strategy works to further develop inclusive learning and social environments for all students, with and without disabilities. Schools can elevate the inclusion and unification among their students as well as further social emotional learning for all.

In Illinois, we offer a wide variety of Unified sport opportunities. Schools signing on to utilize the UCS strategy in Illinois are required to include a Unified sport component.

Competition Information

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Facility Information

Wintrust Sports complex will be providing multiple courts for our basketball competition. Wintrust is a state of the art facility with all the amenities for our athletes and guest on the day of competition. The building will be closed to the public on competition day.

Event Details

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Volunteer Information

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Equipment

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Awards

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Concessions

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Supporting Documents

To see a complete list of all state tournaments, 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.  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.