Region J Snowshoe Exhibition CANCELLED / NOT BEING RESCHEDULED

DUE TO FORCASTED RAIN FROM NOW UNTIL SUNDAY THE SNOWSHOE EXHIBITION HAS BEEN CANCELLED.  THE RAIN WILL MAKE THE COMPITITION AREA MUDDY WITH STANDING POOLS OF WATER – NOT SAFE FOR OUR ATHLETES.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

Snowshoe could be considered the winter equivalent of track with many of the same sports skills being used. Athletes can compete in dash and distance events either on snow or grass depending on weather conditions. This versatility allows for individuals in warmer climates to train and compete in a winter sport despite the weather conditions.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Snowshoe Events Offered in Illinois

• 50 Meter Race
• 100 Meter Race
• 200 Meter Race
• 400 meter Race
• 800 Meter Race
• 1600 Meter Race
• 4X100 Meter Relay

Check-in: Begins at 9:00am.  Teams should gather all of their athletes near the parking lot and check-in as a group.

All registered athletes and Class A’s must complete a COVID screening including a temperature check. If anyone is not able to satisfactorily complete the screening or is found to have a fever, he/she will need to leave the event. Anyone who shared a ride with the individual in question must also leave the event. It is the agency’s responsibility to ensure any individuals who are denied entry to the event have then left the event or have a way to leave.  Once your team completes check-in, please keep your group together inside the event area.

PPE: Athletes must wear a mask when not competing or if they are not able to stay 6 ft apart while waiting to compete. Athletes may remove their mask at the start line and put it back on at the finish line. Class A’s, Volunteers and SOILL Staff will wear masks throughout the event.

Competition: Athletes may compete in two different races. They can pick from the following events:

• 50M, 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M and 1600M (4×100 Relay will not be offered)
• If needed, we will run multiple heats of races. These will not be prelims to advance to a final. Each athlete will receive their time and divisions will be completed after the event.
• Depending on the space available, athletes will be spaced no less than 6ft apart on the start line.

Equipment: Athletes can share snowshoes within their agency but sharing across agencies is prohibited. Agencies must provide their own snowshoes. SOILL does not have shoes to supply teams.

Results: Times will be entered and divisions created after the event. SOADs will receive a results email for your records. Snowshoe rules and disqualifications will remain active and be enforced. Certificates for the athletes will be emailed after the event.

Food/Water: Athletes are to bring their own filled water bottle and snack (if needed). SOILL will not be providing food or water at this event.

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.

Masks must be worn: at tournament central, team staging areas, entering the facility to use the restrooms, in the restrooms, staging areas, during the competition and at any time or place when social distancing is not an option. Special Olympics will not be providing masks.  Athletes and coaches must bring their own.

To make sure we abide by the 50 person maximum set by the IDPH, parents and spectators are unfortunately not allowed to attend and only registered athletes, coaches and partners are allowed at the event.  It is very important you relay to all parents and guardians the importance of only allowing registered persons into the event.  Spectators are allowed to watch from outside the fenced in area.

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.