Region J Swimming

What Is Swimming?

Swimming, which is considered a lifetime activity, is appropriate for a range of ages and abilities. Competition events are based on a variety of strokes.

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

Athletes in Illinois who participate in swimming compete locally in a region qualifier. Gold medal winners from the regions are then eligible to advance to the state championship held at the Summer Games in Normal in June.

Swimming Events Offered in Illinois

• Backstroke – 25-, 50- and 100-meter
• Breaststroke – 25-, 50-, and 100-meter
• Butterfly – 25-, 50- and 100-meter
• Freestyle – 25-, 50-, 100-, 200- and 400-meter
• Individual medley – 100-meter (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle)
• Relays – 4×25-meter, 4×50-meter, 4×100-meter freestyle, 4×25-meter medley (backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle)

Competition Information

Males will race on the north end of the pool. Females will race on the south end of the pool. Relays will take place in the north pool once all single races are complete. Awards will be done on the pool deck after the last relays.

Facility Information

The aquatic center pool is large enough to host both sets of races at the same time on opposite end. Athlete seating is on the pool deck. Spectator seating is upstairs. An elevator is available. Locker rooms and restrooms are on site. The facility has its own parking lot.

Event Details

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Volunteer Information

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Equipment

Athletes should bring their own towels and other swimwear.

Awards

Swimmers will be placed in divisions by ability for each event. For efficiency, some divisions will swim at the same time. Awards will be given based on finish in the division.

Concessions

Water, Powerade and snacks will be available. Lunch is not provided. A concession may be open.

Special Guests

Athlete Leaders from the competing regions will be on-hand to help with key portions of the event.

Supporting Documents

To see a complete list of all state championship competitions, click here.

To find out more information about the Knights of Columbus, which supports Special Olympics Illinois throughout the year, click here.

Results

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 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 9,000 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.

COVID Procedures

Unless a venue has specific COVID protocols in place, Special Olympics Illinois is following Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC COVID protocols and guidelines. Please refer to event specific information or website page (if applicable) to determine if the venue has any specific COVID protocols. 

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