Region J Basketball and Individual Skills

COVID Procedures

All participants should self-screen prior to arriving at this event and should remain home if feeling unwell or displaying coronavirus symptoms.

All athletes, coaches and spectators are required to wear a mask while inside the basketball facility regardless of vaccination status. All athletes and Unified Partners are required to wear a mask indoors while they are competing.

Unless fully vaccinated, participants who are medically able should continue to wear a mask at outdoor venues the majority of time while at Special Olympics Illinois activities.

Athletes and Unified Partners do not have to wear a mask while competing in outdoor competitions.

Vaccination is not required to attend in person events.

Special Olympics Illinois will not be providing masks.  Athletes and coaches must bring their own.

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 Basketball?

One of the most popular sports in Illinois, basketball provides competition for both teams and individuals. Five-on-five team competition is available in Junior, High School and Senior Male (Coed) and Senior Female age groups. Individuals can compete in the Basketball Individual Skills Competition to develop basic basketball skills. Events include the Target Pass, 10 Meter Dribble and Spot Shot events.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in team competition, compete locally at a Region Qualifying event. Individual Skills participants also compete locally in Region Qualifying events. Teams or individuals who win a gold medal are eligible to advance to the State Basketball Championships held in Normal in March.

Basketball Events Offered in Illinois

• 5-on-5 Team Competition – Junior, High School and Senior age groups

Developmental Events

• Individual Skills Competition – Target Pass, 10 Meter Dribble, Spot Shot

Competition Information

Region J Basketball Team tournament and Individual Skills Competition. Gold Medal winners will advance to State Basketball.

Facility Information

Wesclin High School offers up to 3 courts in the gym. Team games and Individual Skills will be hosted at the High School. The High School also offers a cafeteria/auditorium for lunch and awards. Restrooms are available on site.
The Middle School offers two gyms with 1 court each. There is also a cafeteria for lunch and restrooms in close proximity to each gym.

Event Details

First games will take place prior to Opening Ceremonies. The Opening Ceremony consists of a parade of athletes, the school band, the school cheerleaders and the Knight of Columbus. Games and Skills will begin once OC is done. Awards will be presented on the stage in the cafeteria/auditorium.

Volunteer Information

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Equipment

Please bring your own PPEs. SOILL will not provide masks for athletes or coaches. Mask must be worn while indoors. Individual water bottles are strongly encouraged. Money for a concession stand.

Awards

Divisions will be created based on entry scores and game summaries. Best effort will be used to create the best division for a fair competition. Divisions will be determined prior to the event. Awards will be presented in the cafeteria of the High School. Trophies will be presented to gold medal teams. Gold medal winners will advance to State Basketball.

Concessions

Lunch will be provided. in each school cafeteria. A Concession stand may be available. Bottled water will be available for athletes and coaches.

Special Guests

Local Knights of Columbus will present the flag for the national anthem. The high school pep band will perform during the parade of athletes. The high school cheerleaders will perform during OC. The Without Limits SO cheer/dance squad will also perform and cheer from the bleachers during games.

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.