Region I Eastern Illinois University 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 / spring Games / 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

Competition – Athletes will compete in their registered event and division according to the schedule. We will try to follow the schedule as closely as possible, but please be prepared to compete earlier than scheduled.

Facility Information

All events are located on or around the track/football field

No parking is allowed in the O’Brien stadium lot, this for bus drop offs only. Public parking is located on the street. 

SOILL Region I will be using the entire facility. Bathrooms and porta potties will be available, parking on the street, no parking allowed in the lot directly to the West of the stadium, you may drop athletes off in this lot, but will not be able to park.

Event Details

8:00am – 8:30am: Volunteer and Agency Registration
8:30am – 9:00am: VIP Guest/Law Enforcement Reception and Volunteer/Agency registration continued
8:30am: Families Area & Souvenir Stand Opens
9:00am: Opening Ceremonies
9:45am: Athletes Clear the Field and Start of the Games
10:00am: East/West Track Events & Softball Throw starts
10:00am: High Jump Starts w/ 9:45am Warm-ups
10:15am: Mini-javelin Starts
10:15am: Running Long Jump Starts w/ 10:00am Warm-ups
10:30am: Tennis Ball Throw Starts
10:45am: Standing Long Jump Starts
11:00am: Shot-Put starts
11:00am – 1:00pm: Serving lunches. Track and field events continue with awards ceremonies immediately following
1:00pm: Families Area & Souvenirs Stand Closes
1:15pm: Finishing Races and Awards
1:30-2:30pm: Clean-up

Volunteer Information

Equipment

Water will be provided, but we encourage athletes to bring their own water bottle. . Coaches we suggest bringing chairs/blankets to sit on during breaks and umbrellas for the sun.

Awards

Awards will be presented after the completion of each event. If an athlete misses an award Coach may pick up the award, we will not be doing multiple award ceremonies.

Concessions

Lunch will be provided to registered atheletes, coaches and all day volunteers. Water and concessions will be available.

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 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.