Special Olympics Illinois continues to take the threat of COVID-19 very seriously. Our number one priority is keeping our athletes, volunteers, families and constituents safe.
Due to the current level of Illinois restrictions, the following procedures are in place for all in-person competitions and fundraisers:
All participants should self-screen prior to arriving at this event and should remain home if feeling unwell or displaying coronavirus symptoms.
As of February 28, 2022, the State of Illinois removed the Mask Mandate for indoor settings. For both inside and outside events, masks are no longer required but are still highly recommended for all participants, including spectators (if allowed at the event).
Please note that many local jurisdictions, facilities and organizations may have their own mask requirements and other mitigations that must be adhered to. SOILL will communicate any specific community or facility requirements that might impact participants.
Vaccination is not required to attend in person events.
Special Olympics Illinois will not be providing masks. Athletes and coaches must bring their own.
SOILL will have hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes/spray and other cleaning/sanitizing products on-site.
Please check with your Region staff on the status of spectators attending competitions. It is very important you relay to all parents and guardians the importance of only allowing registered persons into the event.
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:
www.soill.org/wp-content/uploads/2-High-Risk-Fact-Sheet-7.9.20.pdf
The 2022 Special Olympics Illinois Sport Season Schedule is subject to change based off the Region’s ability to secure facilities.
Special Olympics Illinois is not mandating that any athlete, family member, coach, volunteer or other constituent receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but does suggest that anyone should research the Illinois Department of Public Health website for the most up to date FAQ’s and other related questions.
As always, we are continually re-assessing future events. We will keep you updated on any further developments as they happen.
If you have program-related questions, please contact Kim Riddering. For questions related to fundraising, please contact Valerie Day.
Here are some tips to help make sure we all stay healthy:
- If you’re feeling even slightly under the weather or you’re running a fever, please stay home. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, family member or volunteer, please don’t put everyone else at risk because you don’t want to miss something. We know missing out isn’t any fun, but taking the chance that someone could get sick because of your actions isn’t fun either.
- Wash your hands after using the restroom and before eating — do so for AT LEAST 20 seconds.
- Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open bathroom doors, not your freshly-washed hands
- Avoid touching your face
- Sneeze or cough into your arm, not your hands
- Avoid shaking hands and high-fives
- Avoid drinking from the same cup or bottle as someone else
- Set up a home training regimen with your local athletes to make sure everyone still stays in shape
- Keep an eye on our social media accounts over the next week as we work with our athlete-leaders to develop a training plan for our athletes to stay fit in this time without practices
- For updates on the virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website daily
For all future updates on the virus and how it affects Special Olympics Illinois, please visit www.SOILL.org.
Additional Resources:
Illinois Department of Public Health