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

To find out more about volunteering at this event, please click the button below!

Volunteer Opportunities

Equipment

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

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony is set for 8:30 AM on Saturday and will include an introduction of teams, National Anthem, Athlete Oath, and Torch Run.

Souvenirs

State Softball Tournament specific items and items you want customized are available by pre-order only. A limited supply of general Special Olympics Illinois merchandise will be sold on-site, Saturday 9am – 2pm.   Pre-order deadline is August 28. Use this link to connect to State Softball Tournament merchandise options: https://orders.minervapromotions.com/soill_state_softball_tournament/shop/home

• 2023 State Softball Souvenir Info

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

For event updates about the 2023 State Softball Championship, utilize our text alert system by texting “Softball” to  844-393-0980.

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

2023 State Softball Event Handbook

2023 State Softball Event Handbook Memo

2023 State Softball Coach Proof

2023 State Softball Schedule

2023 State Softball Schedule Memo

2023 State Softball Delegation List

State Softball Families Letter

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

2023 State Softball Results

Who We Are

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. 

If you are interested in being a part of Special Olympics Illinois and its vision, contact your local region, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org. Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.  

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