State Softball Championships

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

What Are the State Softball Championships?

State Softball is one of 13 state sports competitions. It is the championship-level competition for those participating in team and individual skills softball. State Softball is a typically a two-day event usually held the second or third weekend of September in Springfield. For 2022, this will be a one-day event held Saturday, September 10. The State Softball Tournament includes approximately 425 athletes, 140 coaches and 125 volunteers.

Additional activities include Healthy Athlete Initiatives, an Opening Ceremony, family registration, a family reception, a dinner, a Victory Dance, and souvenir sales. 2022 is the first year that the Land of Lincoln Sports Complex will host the tournament. Softball became an official Special Olympics Illinois sport in 1977.

Competition Information

Softball teams come together from throughout the state for their final games at the State Softball Championships. All the teams have worked hard to get here, competing in numerous games throughout the year. In order to advance to the State Softball Championships teams must win gold at their Region Competition. Come on out and cheer them on to victory!

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 aged 6 and 7 will be invited to participate and showcase their talent! Young Athletes will have the opportunity to participate in Softball Individual Skills

Athletes may compete in Individual Skills competition or Team competition, not both.

Facility Information

Land of Lincoln Sports Complex has five softball fields.

Land of Lincoln Sports Complex

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 close to competition day.

For 2022, the State Softball Tournament will be a one-day event.  Saturday’s tentative schedule is 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Volunteer Information

Please click on the button below to register to volunteer.

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 family 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:

Softball

• Saturday: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Text Alerts and Event status Updates

For text alerts during the event please text “Softball” to 844-393-0980.

In case of inclement weather, schedule changes or cancellations check the website here for updates. Please sign up for the text alert.  This alert will send you any last minute changes in the Outdoor Sports Festival schedule. Check back two weeks before the event for Text Alert Subscription information.

Awards

Awards will be given when each division is complete.

Concessions

Lunch, water and concessions will be provided. A stipend will be offered Saturday for dinner that evening. Specific information regarding the stipend will be sent to teams the week of August 15.

Supporting Documents

• 2022 State Softball Coach Proof
• 2022 State Softball Event Handbook
• 2022 State Softball Event Handbook Memo
• 2022 State Softball Schedule – Divisions
• 2022 State Softball Schedule Memo
• 2022 State Softball Families Letter

Hotel Information

To see a complete list of all State Championship Competitions, click here.

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

Results

2022 State Softball 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 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.