Sports Offered

Special Olympics Illinois provides a spectrum of program choices for people with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities. Athletes train for a minimum of eight weeks before competing. Special Olympics Illinois provides opportunities in 18 different sports, please select a sport from the drop down below for more information.

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Alpine Skiing

Alpine Skiing Facts

Alpine skiing is an exciting winter sport that challenges the athlete’s downhill racing ability and coordination.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Alpine skiing was introduced as a sport in Illinois in 1975. It later became an official Special Olympics sport in 1977 at the World Winter Games in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in alpine skiing can compete at their local Alpine Qualifier. Athletes can then advance to the state championship held during the Winter Games in Galena in late January or early February.

Alpine Skiing Events Offered in Illinois

Giant Slalom
Slalom
Super G (Downhill)

National Governing Body
Federation Internationale De Ski
Thunerse Switzerland
Web: http://www.fis-ski.com/ Rules can be downloaded online
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Athletics

Athletics Facts

Athletics offers a wide variety of traditional track and field events. Competition is also provided for athletes with lower ability levels in a variety of development track and field events.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Athletics was one of the original sports in both Illinois and at the first Special Olympics International Games in Chicago in 1968.

Athletes in Illinois who compete in athletics compete locally at their Region Spring Games. Gold medal winners are eligible to advance to the state championship held at the Summer Games in Normal in June.

Athletics Events Offered in Illinois

50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 3000 Meter Run
100, 400 and 800 Meter Race Walk
Running Long Jump
High Jump
Shotput and Wheelchair Shotput
Relays – 4X100 and 4X400 Meter Run, 4×25 Meter Wheelchair and 4×100 Meter Walk
Pentathlon (100, 800 Meter Run, Running Long Jump, High Jump and Shotput)
25, 30 Slalom, 100 and 200 Meter Non Motorized Wheelchair Race

Developmental Events

10, 25 and 50 Meter Assisted Walk
30 and 50 Meter Motorized Wheelchair Slalom
Standing Long Jump
High Jump
Softball Throw
Tennis Ball Throw

National Governing Body
USA Track and Field
Indianapolis, IN
Web: http://www.usatf.org/

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Basketball

Basketball Facts

One of the most popular sports in Illinois, basketball provides competition for both teams and individuals. Five-on-five team competition is available in Junior, High School and Senior Male (Coed) and Senior Female age groups. Individuals can compete in the Basketball Individual Skills Competition to develop basic basketball skills. Events include the Target Pass, 10 Meter Dribble and Spot Shot events.

Basketball was first introduced in Illinois in 1975. Basketball became an officially recognized sport of Special Olympics at the third Special Olympics International Games in Chicago in 1972.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in team competition, compete locally at a Region Qualifying event. Individual Skills participants also compete locally in Region Qualifying events. Teams or individuals who win a gold medal are eligible to advance to the State Basketball Championships held in Normal in March.

Basketball Events Offered in Illinois

5-on-5 Team Competition – Junior, High School and Senior age groups

Developmental Events

Individual Skills Competition – Target Pass, 10 Meter Dribble, Spot Shot

National Governing Body
Illinois High School Association (IHSA)
Bloomington, IL
Web: http://www.ihsa.org/

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Bocce

Bocce Facts

Bocce is an ancient sport invented during the Roman Empire. The game combines the skills of bowling with the accuracy of darts. Players try to get their Bocce balls closer to the Pallina (target ball) than their opponents. Individuals can participate in Bocce as a traditional single player or as part of traditional doubles or team. Unified Bocce is available in doubles and team formats. Unified sports combine a Special Olympics athlete with a non-disabled peer as partners or on teams for competition.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Bocce was introduced as an official sports at the 1995 World Games. Illinois began competition in Bocce in 1997.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in Bocce compete locally at a Region Qualifying event. Gold medal winners are eligible to advance to state championship held at the Summer Games held in Normal in June.

Bocce Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

Singles competition
Doubles Competition
Team Competition

Unified

Doubles competition
Team competition

National Governing Body
Special Olympics, Inc.
Washington, D.C.
Rules can be downloaded at http://www.specialolympics.org/

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Bowling

Bowling Facts

Bowling is perhaps the most popular sport in Illinois. Bowling competition is conducted using a traditional format. However for those of lower ability or with physical disabilities, bowling has been modified by utilizing a ramp on the approach.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Bowling was introduced as a sport in Illinois and internationally in 1975.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in bowling compete locally at Region Qualifying events. Gold medal winners are then advanced to Sectional Qualifying competition. Gold medal winners are then eligible to advance the State Bowling Championships held in Peoria in December.

Bowling Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

Singles competition
Doubles Competition
Team Competition

Developmental

Ramp singles (ramp bowlers may also enter doubles and team competition as part of a traditional team)

National Governing Body
United States Bowling Congress (USBC)
Greendale, WI
Web: www.bowl.com

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Equestrian

Equestrian Facts

Equestrian provides athletes with the opportunity to learn to ride a horse, develop sport skills and gain self-confidence. Events include all levels of riding experience as well as a variety of styles.

In order to participate in equestrian competition, the equestrian coach or equestrian facility must be PATHI (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) certified. For PATHI certification information, please contact the Special Olympics Illinois Director of State Championships.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Equestrian first became an official sport of Special Olympics in 1987 when it debuted at the World Games. Illinois added equestrian as a sports offering in 1990.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in equestrian compete at the local level in a Qualifying event or in 2 sanctioned events. Athletes are then eligible to advance to the state championship at the Fall Games held in Rockford in October.

Equestrian Events Offered in Illinois

Dressage
English Equitation
Showmanship
Stock Seat Equitation
Working Trails

National Governing Bodies
Special Olympics Inc., American Horse Shows Association (AHSA)
Rules can be downloaded at http://www.specialolympics.org/

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Flag Football

One of the newest and most exciting sports Special Olympics Illinois offers is Flag Football. In Illinois, Flag Football provides competition for teams of five in Junior and Senior (Coed) age groups.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in team competition, compete locally at a Regional Qualifying event. Teams who win a gold medal are eligible to advance to the State Flag Football Championships hosted in November.

Flag Football Events Offered in Illinois

5-on-5 Team Compeition – Junior and Senior Age Groups

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Floor Hockey

Floor Hockey Facts

Special Olympics floor hockey is adapted from the games of ice hockey and ringette. Not to be confused with poly hockey, this floor hockey uses straight wooden sticks and felt rings for pucks. Teams are composed of 11 players including a goalie. Athletes have the opportunity to compete on teams or as individuals in the Individual Skills Competition to develop basic floor hockey skills.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Floor hockey was first introduced as an official sport in 1970 at the World Winter Games. It was introduced in Illinois in 1975.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in floor hockey compete locally at Region Qualifying events. Teams are then eligible to advance to state level competition at the State Floor Hockey Championships held in Chicago in November.

Floor Hockey Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

Team Floor Hockey

Developmental

Individual Skills Floor Hockey (Shoot Around the Goal, Passing, Stickhandling and Shoot for Accuracy)

National Governing Body
Special Olympics, Inc.
Washington, D.C.
Rules can be downloaded at http://www.specialolympics.org/ Illinois

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Golf

Golf Facts

Golf provides Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to develop their golf skills by participating in Individual Skills Competition, 3-Hole and 6-hole competitions. Golfers who have the ability to put all of the skills together can participate in 9-hole competition. Unified golf allows for athletes and their non-disabled peers to form teams in 9-hole competition.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Golf made its debut in 1995 at the World Summer Games as an official sport. Illinois began offering golf competition in 1997.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in golf compete locally at Region Qualifying events. Athletes are then eligible to advance to state championships at the Outdoor Sports Festival held in Decatur in September.

Golf Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

9-hole competition

Unified

9-hole aggregate team play

Developmental

3, 6, and 9 hole competition
Individual Skills Competition (Short & Long Putt, Chip Shot, Pitch Shot, Iron & Wood Shot

National Governing Body
United States Golf Association
Far Hills, N.J.
Web: http://www.usga.org

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Gymnastics (Artistic)

Gymnastics Facts

Gymnastics combines strength, flexibility and artistry. Competition is offered in men’s and women’s events in artistic gymnastics utilizing beams, bars, rings, vault and floor exercise equipment.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate. In gymnastics, athletes also compete in specific levels.

Gymnastics began as an officially recognized sport of Special Olympics in 1972 at the World Summer Games. Gymnastics was introduced as a sport in Illinois in 1975.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in gymnastics compete locally at a Region Qualifying event. Gold medal winners are eligible to advance to state championships at the Summer Games held in Normal in June.

Gymnastics Events Offered in Illinois

Women’s Artistic Events

Floor Exercise
Balance Beam
Vault
Uneven Parallel Bars
All Around

Men’s Artistic Events

Floor Exercise
Parallel Bars
Vault
High Bar
Pommel Horse
Rings
All Around

Gymnastics (Rhythmic)

Rhythmic competition is available to women using rope, ball, hoop, clubs and ribbon.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rope
Hoop
Ribbon
Ball
Clubs
All Around

National Governing Body
USA Gymnastics
Indianapolis, IN
Web: http://www.usagym.org/

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Powerlifting

Powerlifting Facts

Powerlifting provides not only a test of strength but also perseverance. Long hours are required to train for competition in this physically demanding sport. Athletes can compete in one, two or three events combined

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate. Powerlifters are further divided into groups based on weight.

Powerlifting was first introduced internationally in 1983 at the World Summer Games. The bench and deadlift events began in 1986 in Illinois with the squat lift being added in 2008.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in powerlifting compete locally at Region Qualifying events. Athletes are then eligible to advance to state championships at the Summer Games held in Normal in June.

Powerlifting Events Offered in Illinois

Bench Press
Deadlift
Squat Lift
Combined Bench and Deadlift
Combined Bench, Deadlift and Squat

National Governing Body
USA Powerlifting
Columbia City, IN
Web: http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/

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Snowshoe

Snowshoe Facts

Snowshoe could be considered the winter equivalent of track with many of the same sports skills being used. Athletes can compete in dash and distance events either on snow or grass depending on weather conditions. This versatility allows for individuals in warmer climates to train and compete in a winter sport despite the weather conditions.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Snowshoe became an official sport of Special Olympics in 1997 at the World Winter Games. In 2002, snowshoe was added to the sports offered in Illinois.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in snowshoe compete locally at a Region Qualifying event. Gold medal winners are eligible to advance to state championships at the Winter Games held in Galena in late January or early February.

Snowshoe Events Offered in Illinois

50 Meter Race
100 Meter Race
200 Meter Race
400 meter Race
800 Meter Race
1600 Meter Race
4X100 Meter Relay

National Governing Body
Special Olympics, Inc.
Washington, D.C.
Rules can be downloaded athttp://www.specialolympics.org/

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Soccer

Soccer Facts

Soccer (football) is the world’s most popular sport. Athletes have the opportunity to compete on teams of 7 including a goalie, as well as in Individual Skills Competition which develops basic soccer skills.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Soccer became an official Special Olympics sport in 1979 at the World Summer Games. It was introduced in Illinois in 1977.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in Soccer compete locally in Region Qualifying events. They are then eligible to advance to state championships at the Summer games held in Normal in June.

Soccer Events Offered in Illinois
Traditional

7-on-7 Team Competition

Developmental

Individual Skills Events (Dribbling, Shooting, Run and Kick)

National Governing Body
Federation Internationale d Football Association (FIFA)
Zurich, Switzerland
Web: http://www.fifa.com/

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Softball

Softball Facts

Slow pitch softball involves teams of 10 athletes each. Individuals who wish to play softball but do not have a team can participate in Individual Skills Competition to develop basic softball skills.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Slow pitch softball began in Illinois in 1977. It was officially recognized as a Special Olympics sport in 1983.

Teams or individuals in Illinois who participate in softball compete locally at Region Qualifying events. Gold medal winners are eligible to advance to state championships at the Outdoor Sports Festival held in Decatur in September.

Softball Events Offered in Illinois
Traditional

Slow Pitch Team Competition

Developmental

Individual Skills Competition (Base Running, Throwing, Fielding and Hitting)

National Governing Body
Amateur Softball Association (ASA)
Oklahoma City, OK
Web: http://www.softball.org/

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Swimming

Swimming Facts

Swimming, which is considered a lifetime activity, is appropriate for a range of ages and abilities. Competition events are based on a variety of strokes.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Swimming was one of the first sports offered in Illinois beginning in 1968. It was also one of the first sports officially recognized by Special Olympics at the first Special Olympics international competition held in Chicago in 1968.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in swimming compete locally in a Region Qualifier. Gold medal winners from the regions are then eligible to advance to the state championship held at the Summer Games in Normal in June.

Swimming Events Offered in Illinois

Backstroke – 25, 50 and 100 Meter
Breaststroke – 25, 50, and 100 Meter
Butterfly – 25, 50 and 100 Meter
Freestyle – 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 Meter
Individual Medley – 100 Meter (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle)
Relays – 4X25 Meter, 4X50 Meter, 4X100 Meter Freestyle, 4X25 Meter Medley (Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle

National Governing Body
Illinois High School Association (IHSA)
Bloomington, IL
Web: http://www.ihsa.org/

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Tennis

Tennis Facts
A lifetime leisure sport, tennis provides athletes the opportunity to learn and perform a variety of sports skills. Tennis competition is offered in singles and doubles at various ability levels ranging from traditional tennis to Individual Skills Competition to develop basic tennis skills. Athletes also have the opportunity to compete with their non-disabled peers in Unified doubles.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Tennis began in Illinois in 1986. It was recognized as an official Special Olympics sport in 1987.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in tennis compete locally at Region events. They are then eligible to advance to state championships at the State Tennis Championships held in Frankfort in August.

Tennis Events Offered in Illinois
Traditional

Match Play in singles and doubles

Developmental

Short Court Match Play in singles and doubles
Individual Skills Competition (Forehand Volley, Backhand Volley, Forehand Ground Stroke, Backhand Ground Stroke, Serve Deuce Court, Serve Advantage Court, Alternating Ground Strokes)

Unified

Unified Match Play in doubles

National Governing Body
United States Tennis Association (USTA)
Forester Center, W.V.
Web: http://www.usta.com/

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Volleyball

Volleyball Facts
Volleyball provides the opportunity for athletes to learn the sports skills of the game as well as working with others. Individuals who wish to participate in volleyball can compete in Individual Skills Competition to develop basic volleyball skills. Athletes also have the opportunity to compete with their non-disabled peers on teams in Unified volleyball.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Volleyball began as a sport in Illinois in 1977. It was officially recognized as a Special Olympics sport in 1983.

Individuals and teams in Illinois who participate in volleyball compete locally at Region Qualifying events. They are then eligible to advance to state Championships at the Fall Games held in Rockford in October.

Volleyball Events Offered in Illinois
Traditional

Team Volleyball

Developmental

Modified Team Volleyball
Individual Skills Competition (Forearm Pass, Overhead Set, Serve)

Unified

Unified Team Volleyball

National Governing Body
Illinois High School Association (IHSA)
Bloomington, IL
Web: http://www.ihsa.org/

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