State Tennis Tournament

You can live stream the 2022 State Tennis Tournament here.

What is State Tennis?

State Tennis is one of 13 state sports competitions. It is the championship level competition for those participating in tennis, Unified tennis and individual skills. State Tennis is typically a two-day event usually held the third or fourth weekend of August in Bloomington. For 2022, the event will be held on just one day, Saturday, August 20.

The State Tennis Tournament includes approximately 110 athletes, 20 Unified partners, 50 coaches and 110 volunteers. Evergreen Racquet Club became the event host in 2016. Tennis became an official Special Olympics Sport in 1986 and Unified tennis in 2002.

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. Everyone is encouraged to attend this premiere state tournament to cheer on these extraordinary athletes!

Athletes may compete in Short Court Singles & 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

Team registration will begin at 7:30 AM on Saturday, August 20.   Match play competition will begin at 8:30 AM.  Individual Skills competition will begin at 9:00 AM on Saturday. 

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

Click the button below to register as a volunteer.

Equipment

Athletes are responsible for bringing their own racquets.

Opening Ceremony

Special Olympics Illinois will hold an Opening Ceremony as part of the Olympics tradition at 8:00 AM at Evergreen Racquet Club. Regions will be asked to line up along the sidewalk for the Parade of Athletes. The Torch Run will also march in for the grand lighting of the cauldron.

Souvenirs

State Tennis Tournament specific items and items you want customized are available by pre-order only. Please click here to preorder your items.

Preorder closed on August 8.  Orders will be available for pick up at the tournament. There will be a limited supply of items sold onsite at Evergreen Racquet Club.  

Families

The Family Registration and Information area will be open on Saturday from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Please encourage family members to visit the Family Registration and Information area and register if they are new to the Special Olympics Illinois families program or just check in to let us know they are here. Family members can meet and visit with other families and receive information on what is new at Special Olympics Illinois. Most of all, they can have fun, relax and watch their athletes have a great experience.

Text Alerts & Event Status Updates

Please sign up for the text alert. This alert will send you any last minute changes to the State Tennis Tournament schedule. Set up your text alert by texting “Evergreen” to 844-393-0980.

Awards

Awards will be given when each division is complete.

Concessions

Lunch and water will be provided, as well as a to-go dinner which will be available beginning at 3:00 PM.

Supporting Documents

For lodging information in the Bloomington/Normal area please visit: http://www.visitbn.org/visit/listings/accommodations/

2022 State Tennis Event Handbook

2022 State Tennis Event Handbook Memo

2022 State Tennis Schedule

2022 State Tennis Schedule Memo

2022 State Tennis Coach Proof with Divisions

2022 State Tennis Divisions

2022 Souvenir Flyer

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 Tennis Results by Delegation

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.

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