State Softball Championships

What Are the State Softball Championships?

The State Softball Tournament is one of 13 state sports competitions. It is the championship-level competition for those participating in team and individual skills softball. The State Softball Tournament is a typically a two-day event usually held the second or third weekend of September in Springfield. The State Softball tournament typically includes 425 athletes, 140 coaches and 125 volunteers.

Additional activities include Healthy Athlete initiatives, an Opening Ceremony, families registration, a families reception, dinner, a Victory Dance, and souvenir sales. Softball became an official Special Olympics Illinois sport in 1977. Spectators are encouraged to attend this premiere state tournament to cheer on these extraordinary athletes.

Competition Information

In order to advance to State Softball, teams must win gold at their region competition.

Individual skills competition will also be offered where individuals will demonstrate their skills in base running, throwing, fielding and hitting. They will be competing against others within divisions for the best scores.

Young Athletes ages six and seven will be invited to participate and showcase their talent through softball individual skills. Athletes may compete in individual skills competition or team competition, but not both.

Facility Information

Land of Lincoln Sports Complex has eight softball fields.

Event Details

All times listed below are tentative and subject to change once event-specific schedules are determined.  For a final schedule, please check the supporting documents section below.

Volunteer Information

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Equipment

Athletes are responsible for bringing their own softball bats, gloves and uniforms.

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony is set for 9:00 AM on Saturday and will include an introduction of teams, National Anthem, Athlete Oath, and Torch Run.

Souvenirs

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Families

Stop by the Families registration area to receive your event packet and a raffle ticket for the FREE raffle. Don’t forget to wear your credentials. Hours are as follows:

• Saturday: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Text Alerts and Event status Updates

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Awards

Awards will be given when each division is complete.

Concessions

Lunch, water and concessions will be provided both days. Dinner will be provided on Saturday.

Supporting Documents

Springfield Hotel Information

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 Illinois 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