State Tennis Tournament

What is The State Tennis Tournament ?

The State Tennis Tournament is one of 13 state sports competitions. It is the championship level competition for those participating in tennis, Unified tennis and individual skills. The State Tennis Tournament is typically a two-day event usually held the third or fourth weekend of August in Bloomington.

The State Tennis Tournament typically includes110 athletes, 20 Unified partners, 50 coaches and 110 volunteers. Evergreen Racquet Club became the event host in 2016. Tennis became an official Special Olympics Illinois sport in 1986 and Unified tennis was added in 2002.

Additional activities include an Opening Ceremony, bowling and a pizza party on Saturday night, as well as families registration and souvenir sales.

Competition Information

Tennis is a stand-alone competition and serves as a showcase for our tennis athletes to demonstrate the skills they have learned throughout the year. Spectators are encouraged to attend this premiere state tournament to cheer on these extraordinary athletes.

Athletes may compete in short court singles and doubles match play, traditional singles, doubles, and Unified doubles match play competitions. Athletes can compete in either match play or individual skills.

Individual skills competition will also be offered where individuals will demonstrate their skills in forehand volley, backhand volley, forehand ground stroke, backhand ground stroke, serve deuce court, serve advantage court and alternating ground strokes.

Facility Information

Evergreen Racquet Club has seven indoor courts and four outdoor courts.

Event details

Please check back closer to the event for more information.  

The Opening Ceremony will begin at 8:00 AM at Evergreen Racquet Club. 

Please note: During the State Tennis Tournament, athletes should be prepared to potentially play matches both indoors and outdoors if the weather allows. 

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 racquets.

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony will begin at 8:00 am at Evergreen Racquet Club on Saturday. There will be a parade of athletes and all other components of a typical Opening Ceremony.

Live Streaming

Evergreen Racquet Club offers livestream on each of the indoor courts. Go to the club’s website at https://www.erctennis.com/ and then on the home page click on the Livestream box and you can select the court you want to watch.

Souvenirs

The State Tennis Tournament is a preorder event only. No merchandise will be sold on-site. Please use this link to pre-order your items.  https://orders.minervapromotions.com/soill_state_tennis/shop/home

Pre-order closes on August 9.  Orders will be available for pick-up at the tournament.  If you are unable to pick-up your items at the event then you can pay to have them shipped to you.

Souvenir items are offered by Minerva Promotions and a percentage of sales are given to Special Olympics Illinois.

Families

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Text Alerts & Event Status Updates

Please text “Evergreen” to 844-393-0980 to receive weather or emergency updates for the 2023 State Tennis Tournament. The Text Alert System is the primary method for communicating schedule changes or emergency tournament information.

Awards

Awards will be given when each division is complete.

Concessions

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

Supporting Documents

2023 State Tennis Event Handbook

2023 State Tennis Schedule – Divisions

2023 State Tennis Schedule Memo

2023 State Tennis Final Delegation List

2023 State Tennis Event Handbook Memo

2023 State Tennis Souvenir Info & Link

Those looking for lodging information in the Bloomington/Normal area can utilize Visit BN’ website here.

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 Tennis 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