Outstanding Athlete
Recognizes a SOILL (Special Olympics Illinois) athlete whose achievements, dedication and commitment to their team and themselves exemplifies the purpose of Special Olympics. This is recognition for more then just sports achievement, but takes an overall view looking for good teamwork & sportsmanship, program involvement, community activism and self-development.
Outstanding Coach
Recognizes the coach who best demonstrates the true ideals of the coaching profession; who leads by example and expects athletes to set and strive to reach goals. As a coach of SOILL athletes, she or he must demonstrate both technical skills and personal commitment to the physical, social and psychological well being of the athletes.
Outstanding Family
Recognizes a family with a SOILL athlete that has made unique and lasting contributions to not only to benefit their athlete but who has contributed to multiple aspects of the SOILL program. This often takes the form of coaching, volunteering and fundraising.
Outstanding Media
Recognizes an individual or organization that has helped communicate and/or promote Special Olympics Illinois and the achievements of its athletes, coaches and volunteers through news features, social media and/or other presentations. It also looks for media who take the extra step to raise funds to support the program.
Outstanding Organization
Recognizes a club, business, facility or organization whose efforts have significantly improved the SOILL athlete’s experiences. This includes donating facilities, volunteers, time and money to the program.
Outstanding Volunteer
Recognizes an individual who through their voluntary efforts improves the quality of the SOILL program to benefit all aspects of the organization.
Chairman’s Award
Recognizes an outstanding donor or sponsor who has contributed significantly to Special Olympics Illinois through in-kind and monetary support. It also takes into consideration those donors who take the extra step to donate their time volunteering.
Lifetime Service The Special Olympics Illinois Lifetime Service award is given to an outstanding individual who encompasses the spirit of Special Olympics Illinois and has shown their dedication to the organization and to serving its mission and goals. Awards are given based on nominee’s interest in and support of the abilities and accomplishments of SOILL athletes as demonstrated through significant contributions. The individual also needs to have at least 20 years of service with Special Olympics Illinois. Demonstration that the individual has made a significant contribution toward our mission statement. The award may be presented to one deserving individual each year at the annual awards reception. However, the Awards Committee may also decide not to give out the award in any given year if, in their discretion, there are no deserving candidates nominated.
