Region J Spring Games and Soccer Skills

Athletics

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.

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

Soccer Skills

Soccer (football) is the world’s most popular sport. Athletes have the opportunity to compete on teams of 7 including a goalie, as well as in Individual Skills Competition which develops basic soccer skills.

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 Soccer compete locally in Region Qualifying events.

Soccer Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

• 7-on-7 Team Competition

Developmental

• Individual Skills Events (Dribbling, Shooting, Run and Kick)

Track and field exhibition events: Offering Men’s and Women’s divisions in 25M Assisted Race, 25M Wheelchair Race, 50M Run, 100M Run, 100M Walk, 200M Run, 400M Run, Tennis Ball Throw, Softball Throw, Mini Jav and Standing Long Jump.

Soccer Skills will take place after the track and field events are completed. For all events athletes will be timed, distances measured and/or scored.

Schedule of Events

Participation awards will be given.

Edwardsville High School is providing us with use of their track facility and an adjacent practice field to host this event. Parking is the west high school parking lot. Restrooms are on site.

No Opening Ceremony.
Agency check-in begins at 8:45. Teams are to arrive at check-in as a group to allow for an efficient check-in procedure. Once checked in, male athletes will report to the track and females will report to the practice field. Events will begin around 9:30. Athletes will switch around 10:30. Soccer skills will start once all track and field events have finished. Soccer skills will take place on the infield of the track.

All participants need to provide their own PPE. Masks must be worn when not able to maintain social distance or not competing. All equipment for events will be provided.

Athletes will be awarded a participation ribbon for Track and Field. Soccer skills athletes will also earn a participation ribbon.

Water and Powerade will be available but lunch will not be served.

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 in-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.

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.