Summer Games

What Is Summer Games?

Summer Games is one of 13 state sports competitions. It is the championship level competition for athletics, bocce, Unified bocce, powerlifting, soccer, swimming, artistic gymnastics, and rhythmic gymnastics. In addition, the Young Athletes Program offers soccer individual skills, a 50 meter run and softball throw demonstration opportunities.

The Summer Games is a three-day event being held June 17-19 in Bloomington-Normal. Summer Games include approximately 4,000 athletes, 60 Unified partners, 1,750 coaches, and 2,500 volunteers.

Additional activities include an Opening Ceremony featuring the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg; a variety of Healthy Athlete initiatives; family registration and activity opportunities, an Olympic Town offering a variety of interactive activities; souvenir sales; and a Victory Dance held in Uptown Normal.

Illinois State University has been the primary host venue since 1977 and, as the event has grown, additional venues include Kingsley Junior High School and Normal Community High School for 2022.

Athletics and swimming became official Special Olympics Illinois sports in 1968, artistic gymnastics in 1975, soccer in 1977, powerlifting in 1986, rhythmic gymnastics in 1996, bocce in 1997, and Unified bocce in 2002.

Competition Information

Competition will be offered in athletics, bocce, Unified bocce, gymnastics, soccer, powerlifting, and swimming. Athletes cannot participate in more than one sport. Athletes registered in bocce may only compete in traditional bocce or Unified bocce (not both) and athletes registered for gymnastics may only compete in artistic or rhythmic (not both).

Young Athletes
Young Athletes from around the state enjoyed running, jumping, kicking, socializing and so much more during the 2022 Summer Games; we want you to be able to be a part of this year’s exciting events!

Young Athletes who are six and seven years of age, with valid forms filed, also have the opportunity to choose between two transitional exhibitions. The 50-meter race (10:00 AM), tennis ball throw (12:20 PM) and individual soccer skills (1:00 PM) will be held on Saturday (times are tentative). To take part in the transitional exhibitions Young Athletes must have a valid Medical Application and can register for only one – athletics or soccer skills. As always, there will be a pizza party leading up to the Opening Ceremony, as well as Olympic Town, a dance, and so much more.

Registration for this event has closed.

Spectators and Participants

Special Olympics Illinois is allowing spectators at all Summer Games venues and activities.

Special Olympics Illinois is following current State of Illinois Department of Health COVID requirements. Masks are recommended for indoor venues but are not required. Special Olympics Illinois recommends all attendees wear masks at indoor venues.

Please be aware that even with the vaccine, there is no way of completely eliminating the risk of infection. Please review the High Risk Fact Sheet to assist in determining risks you may face by attending in-person activities.

Special Olympics Illinois will not provide masks. Hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes/spray and other cleaning/sanitizing products will be provided onsite.   

Facility Information

ISU is the host for Track and Field, Bocce, Artistic Gymnastics, and Soccer. Normal Community is the host for Rhythmic Gymnastics and Swimming. Kingsley Junior High hosts Powerlifting.

• Kingsley Junior High
  • Powerlifting
• ISU Intramural Fields
  • Soccer
• Illinois State University
  • Artistic Gymnastics (Horton Field House)
  • Bocce (Baseball Stadium)
  • Softball Throw (Soccer Stadium)
  • Tennis Ball Throw & Mini Jav (Hancock Stadium)
  • Track Events (ISU Track)
  • Tournament Central (Horton Field House)
• Normal Community High School
  • Rhythmic Gymnastics
  • Swimming
• Redbird Arena
  • Healthy Athletes

Parking

Everyone must obey parking regulations since summer school will be in session at ISU and employees will be reporting to work. Approved parking lots are shown below.

• No parking in lots designated for faculty and staff (identified by red signs) except for Lots M83, U83 and F83S.
• No parking in spaces marked “Reserved.”
• Car parking will be allowed in Lots F62, F64, G24, G53, G73, G81, G83, G86, G87, G91, and S67.
• If you park at a meter, you must feed it.
• Cars parked in lots not approved for Special Olympics may be ticketed. Tickets will be the responsibility of the owner. Be aware that ISU may tow illegally parked cars.
• Parking will also be available at Chiddix Junior High School, Normal West High School and the ISU Intramural Soccer Fields.
• Special Olympics will operate a park & ride shuttle from Fairview Aquatics Park, 800 N. Main Street, Normal, IL.
  • Hours of operation: 
    Friday from 10:00am – 5:00pm 
    Saturday from 8:00am – 4:00pm

Competition Schedule

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.

Artistic Gymnastics

• Friday, Afternoon
• Saturday, All Day

Athletics

• Friday, Afternoon
• Saturday, All Day

Bocce

• Friday, Afternoon
• Saturday, All Day

Powerlifting

• Friday, Afternoon
• Saturday, All Day
• Sunday, Morning

Rhythmic Gymnastics

• Saturday, All Day
• Sunday, Morning

Soccer

• Friday, Afternoon
• Saturday, All Day

Swimming

• Saturday, All Day
• Sunday, Morning

Healthy Athletes

ENTRANCE

• Please enter Redbird Arena from the NE descending ramp into the lower concourse of the arena.  The ramp is located off the Turner Parking Lot (Olympic Town)

SPECIAL SMILES            Friday Noon – 4p

• The Special Smiles discipline of Healthy Athletes provides comprehensive oral health care information, including offering free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to participating Special Olympics athletes.

HEALTHY HEARING Friday Noon – 4p & Saturday 9a – 4p

• The Healthy Hearing program provides free ear and hearing screenings designed to ensure proper audiology care for Special Olympics athletes.

OPENING EYES Saturday 9a – 4p

• The Opening Eyes program is a vision and eye health screening in partnership with the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Led by volunteer vision care professionals, Opening Eyes offers prescription eyewear, sunglasses, and sports goggles to Special Olympics athletes.

FUN FITNESS       Saturday 9a – 4p

• This Healthy Athletes discipline provides free screenings to measure athletes’ flexibility, strength, balance, and aerobic fitness.

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 8:00 pm Friday, June 17, at Hancock Stadium and will include the Parade of Athletes, National Anthem, Athlete Oath, a fireworks display and lighting of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope.

1. Athletes and coaches should wear uniforms.
2. At 7:00 pm Friday, agencies can begin assembling in Hancock Stadium. Seating will be assigned by Region in the stands. No seating on the turf is allowed. Volunteers will be in the seating areas with Region signs to help guide you to your seats. Wheelchairs and escorts will be seated in the East Bleachers in the handicap accessible seating.
3. Please see flyer in coach’s packet for specific information about athletes participating in the parade and their assigned seating in the stands. It will be limited to FOUR (4) total participants. Volunteers will assist agencies with the staging arrangements.
4. There will be a “quiet” fireworks display at the end of Opening Ceremony. All fireworks that create a loud “boom” have been removed, however some aerial fireworks, the shells when they are fired and when they break open will produce noise. An announcement will be made to allow time for those that want to leave before the fireworks display begins.

Volunteer Information

To register as a volunteer for this event, please click here.

Souvenirs

Souvenirs are available to commemorate the 2022 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games. If you wouild like anything customized, please note you must preorder. No customization will be done onsite at the event. 

Minerva Promotions is selling souvenirs at ISU in the North Gym from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on both Friday and Saturday. You can purchase all of your Special Olympics Illinois merchandise at these locations.  Cash and most major credit cards will be accepted for souvenir sales. CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. A percentage of all sales go to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

You can save time and preorder items and pick them up on site. You must preorder if you want to customize any item. Connect to the Summer Games Souvenir Store here.

Families

Families are an integral part of Special Olympics Illinois and of the Summer Games. These proud supporters are seen in the stands, on the sidelines, serving as games committee and coaches. Regardless of your role, families are welcomed and celebrated for your support and enthusiasm for the athletes and Special Olympics Illinois.

Families attending the Summer Games should make their first stop at the Family Registration and Information area at either ISU or Normal Community High School to pick up your Games Guide, free Family Tailgate picnic tickets, and welcome gift. There are a lot of other things to see here too, including a free raffle for some cool Special Olympics Illinois gear, event flyers, and of course info to help you navigate and fully experience the Summer Games. So please stop by and let us know you are at the Games.

The Family Registration and Information area is located in the lower northeast corner of Horton Fieldhouse and at Normal Community High School.

Horton Field House

• Friday, June 17th: 9 AM – 3:30 PM
• Saturday, June 18th: 8 AM – 3 PM

Normal Community High School

• Friday, June 17th: Time TBA
• Saturday, June 18th: 8 AM – 3 PM

Victory Dance

The Uptown Victory Dance will be held in Uptown Normal from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM on Saturday. The dance gives the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and to socialize with others from around the state in addition to members of the community. Old friends will catch up and new friends will be made. The smiles and joy of the athletes are a testament to how Special Olympics Illinois helps transform lives.

Other Activities

• Hospitality Area
• Law Enforcement Torch Run – Torch Run Central will serve as a resource center during this year’s events and will coordinate all Law Enforcement activities including awarding medals. The tent is located in Olympic Town and is open from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturday.
• Olympic Town – Located on the Turner Hall parking lot it provides numerous activities, displays, entertainment, and more. It is open from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturday.
• Special Activities – Several other opportunities are underway possibly including the Fairview Park Pool & Waterslide and Miller Park Zoo. Check back closer to Summer Games and look for fliers in your registration packet.

Concessions

Identified meals are provided for athletes, Unified partners and coaches registered to stay in provided housing. ISU and Normal Community High School will offer concession sales for spectators.

Awards

Awards will be given when each division is complete.

Text Alerts and Event status Updates

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

Supporting Documents

Summer Games 2022 Results

Summer Games Event Handbook Memo

Summer Games Event Handbook

Summer Games Weather Policy

Summer Games Coach Proof with Divisions Final

2022 Summer Games Master Schedule

2022 Summer Games Housing Assignments

2022 Housing and Dining Memo

Victory Dance Information

Healthy Athletes Information

Summer Games Family Information

Interactive Summer Games Flyer

Miller Park Zoo Information

Fairview Information

High Risk Fact Sheet

Summer Games Hotel List

2022 Summer Games Powerlifting Final Schedule

2022 Summer Games Powerlifting Final Divisions

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.

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.