FAMILIES
OUR ATHLETES’ BIGGEST FANS.
Family members are our athletes’ biggest fans. Whether at home or on the field, there’s so much you can do to fuel their success.
NEW FAMILIES
YOUR ATHLETE’S JOURNEY
AGES 2-7
- Young Athletes Program
- Unified Sports®
- Transition Programs (ages 6-7)
- Motor Activities Training Program
- Exhibitions
AGES 8+
- Traditional Sports
- Unified Sports®
- Healthy Athletes Program
- Athlete Leadership Programs
- Unified Champion Schools (UCS)
- UCS Transition Programs (ages 14-22)
- Regional & State Competitions
AGES 16+
- Traditional Sports
- Unified Sports®
- eSports
- Healthy Athletes Program
- Athlete Leadership Programs
- Unified Champion Schools (UCS)
- UCS Transition Programs (ages 14-22)
- Regional & State Competitions
- USA & World Games
FIND YOUR LOCAL REGION
FAMILY STORIES
“It’s our birthday!” At 40, the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run continues to provide funds, opportunities for Special Olympics Illinois athletes and families
By Randy Kindred A voice from inside the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) tent shouted, “Whose birthday is it?” A few feet away, a Kane County police officer in the LETR’s dunk tank replied, “It’s our birthday!” A Special Olympics Illinois athlete hit the bullseye,...
On the Slopes and in the Snow, Athletes Lead the Way at 2026 Winter Games
Athletes, families, and supporters filled Chestnut Mountain Resort on the second day of the 2026 Winter Games, where athletes moved between award ceremonies and the next round of competition. bringing excitement, and plenty of smiles, to one of Special Olympics...
It’s All About Families for Druiens and Region A Byron Gladiators
By Randy Kindred The importance of families was on full display last weekend during the State Flag Football Tournament at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria. The Byron Gladiators are a family-run, independent organization formed in 2020, with the Druien...
HOW TO GET INVOLVED AS A FAMILY MEMBER
FAMILY LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Family Leadership Team (FLT) is dedicated to developing and implementing strategies that engage, enhance, and empower families of individuals with and without intellectual disabilities.
Within the Special Olympics Illinois community, they create enriching family experiences, promote leadership opportunities, lead outreach and recruitment, and sponsor projects to advance family engagement across the state.
UNIFIED SPORTS® PARTNERS
VOLUNTEERS
COACHES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Start by visiting our Athletes page! Explore our programs, find the one(s) you’re interested in, and submit an interest form to get in touch. We’ll reach out with details regarding next steps!
To participate in Special Olympics Illinois, athletes must be at least 8 years old and identified by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability (ID). We also offer a Young Athletes Program for children ages 2-7.
No! Special Olympics Illinois programs are offered at no cost to our athletes, Unified partners and families—thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and donors.
Reach out to your regional staff and/or Family Ambassador for additional questions about Special Olympics Illinois, our programming and how your family can get involved. Click here to find your region.
STAY IN TOUCH
The Special Olympics Illinois community is always growing and evolving. Follow our Facebook Page to get the latest announcements, news and important developments.