Region E Tennis

A lifetime leisure sport, tennis provides athletes the opportunity to learn and perform a variety of sports skills. Tennis competition is offered in singles and doubles at various ability levels ranging from traditional tennis to Individual Skills Competition to develop basic tennis skills. Athletes also have the opportunity to compete with their non-disabled peers in Unified doubles.

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 tennis compete locally at Region events. They are then eligible to advance to state championships at the State Tennis Championships held in Frankfort in August.

Tennis Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

• Match Play in singles and doubles

Developmental

• Short Court Match Play in singles and doubles
• Individual Skills Competition (Forehand Volley, Backhand Volley, Forehand Ground Stroke, Backhand Ground Stroke, Serve Deuce Court, Serve Advantage Court, Alternating Ground Strokes)

Unified

• Unified Match Play in doubles

Individual Skills and Match Play will be offered.

Athletes will be responsible for bringing all Personal Protective Equipment and water.

No food or water will be provided.

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.

Fully vaccinated participants do not need to wear masks, but may choose to still do so.

Participants not fully vaccinated, but who are medically able should continue to wear a mask the majority of the time while at Special Olympics Illinois activities.  Special Olympics Illinois will not be providing masks.  Athletes and coaches must bring their own.

Please check with your Region staff on the status of parents and spectators attending competitions.  With a few exceptions, only registered athletes, coaches and partners are allowed at these events.  It is very important you relay to all parents and guardians the importance of only allowing registered persons into the event.

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.