2024 Winter Games

What is Winter Games?

Winter Games is one of 13 state sports competitions. It is the culminating competition for those participating in alpine skiing and snowshoeing. Winter Games is hosted at Chestnut Mountain Resort and Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois. Typically, more than 450 athletes will compete in this three-day event to show off their winning form.

Competition Information

Competition is offered in Alpine skiing and snowshoeing. Athletes cannot participate in more than one sport.

Sports competition runs from Tuesday, February 6th to Thursday, February 8th. The public is invited and encouraged to attend any and all parts of Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games.

Tentative Competition Times

All times listed below are tentative and subject to change once event specific schedules are determined. Times only reflect actual competition times and do not include time frames for coach meetings, weigh-in times, etc. For a final schedule please check the supporting documents section close to competition day.

Alpine Skiing

• Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Snowshoeing

• Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Event Details

Please check back closer to Winter Games for more details.

Volunteer Information

Fore more information about volunteer opportunities at the 2024 Winter Games, please click here!

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony and the Parade of Athletes will be in downtown Galena beginning at 5:30 PM on Tuesday. Line up will begin at 5:15 PM on Green Street near the historic Post Office building. Agencies will line up behind their region’s flag. The parade will progress through the downtown area and back to the Post Office area where Opening Ceremony will be held. Finally, to top off the ceremony, Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run officers will hand off the torch to athletes who will then carry it along its path and light the Flame of Hope cauldron to kick off the Games! Please dress appropriately for the weather – it is all outdoors.

Dinner Downtown

After the Opening Ceremony, agencies will be escorted to local restaurants for dinner. Please check back in January for restaurant assignments.

Winter Games Reception

The Winter Games Reception will be at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa from 7:30 – 9:00 PM on Tuesday, February 6th. The dress is business casual. Light appetizers will be served and guests will enjoy presentations as well as socializing with other families, sponsors, volunteers, Board members, and staff.

Souvenirs

Souvenirs will be sold on-site only at Eagle Ridge. Those staying at Chestnut Mountain will need to pre-order their items and can pick them up in Tournament Central at Chestnut Mountain. Customized items at either venue are only available via preorders. The souvenir area at Eagle Ridge is located in the lower level lobby area and is open Tuesday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM and Wednesday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.  Cash and most major credit cards are accepted. Checks are not accepted. The cut-off for preorders is January 23. 

Please click here to view items and submit your order.

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

Families

Families are an integral part of Special Olympics Illinois and of Winter Games. Parents and family members attending Winter Games should stop by the families registration area, located on the lower level of Chestnut Mountain Resort and Eagle Ridge Resort.

Families are invited to take part in the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday evening in downtown Galena. At 5:30 PM, the Parade of Athletes will walk through downtown Galena and end up at the Post Office for the official ceremony ending at 6:00 PM. Dress appropriately for the weather – it is all outdoors.

Family members attending Winter Games will also be invited to the reception at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa from 7:30 – 9:30 PM on Tuesday evening. Space is limited so preregistration is required for attendance at this event. The dress is business casual. Light appetizers will be served and guests will enjoy presentations as well as socializing with other families, sponsors, volunteers, Board members, and staff.

Victory Dance

Please check back soon for more information about the Victory Dance!

Text Alerts and Event status Updates

In case of inclement weather, schedule changes or cancellations check the website here for updates or sign up for the text alert. This alert will send you any last minute changes in the Winter Games schedule. Please text “Winter” to 844-393-0980.

Awards

Chestnut Mountain: Awards will be downstairs in the Mississippi Vista Room. Alpine awards will take place
immediately after the completion of last event for each level each day.

Eagle Ridge: Awards will be located downstairs in the Galena Room. Snowshoe awards will take
place immediately after each final race.

Supporting Documents

Supporting documents coming soon!

View the Visit Galena site for information on lodging and activities in Galena.

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.

Final Results

Results will be posted after the event ends.

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 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.