Mask Requirement Statement:
Special Olympics Illinois will follow updated IDPH and CDC mask requirements in regards to counties with escalated COVID transmission rates. The State Tennis Tournament venue is located in McLean County that has a current transmission rate of “Substantial”. “Substantial” or “High” transmission ratings result in the requirement for everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, to wear a mask in public indoor settings. This means that every individual entering Evergreen Racquet Club is required to wear a mask.
Athletes and Unified Partners are allowed to remove their masks while they compete but are required to have their masks on at all other times while inside the Racquet Club.
Individual are not required to wear masks for outside activities but are strongly encouraged for those who are not fully vaccinated. The transmission rating for McLean County will be reviewed on the morning prior to the tournament’s start and if it the rating does fall into the “Moderate” or “Low” categories then the mask requirement will be modified. However, this change is unlikely so please come prepared to wear a mask while inside Evergreen Racquet Club.
What is State Tennis?
State Tennis is one of 11 state sports competitions. It is the final competition for those participating in Tennis, Unified Tennis and Tennis Individual Skills. State Tennis is hosted at Evergreen Racquet Club in Bloomington. More than 100 athletes compete this weekend and show off their winning form!
Competition Information
Tennis is a stand alone competition and serves as a showcase for our tennis athletes to demonstrate the skills they have learned throughout the year. Everyone is encouraged to attend this premiere state tournament to cheer on these extraordinary athletes!
Athletes may compete in Short Court Singles & Doubles Match Play, Traditional Singles, Doubles and Unified Doubles Match play competitions. Athletes can compete in either match play or individual skills.
Individual Skills competition will also be offered where individuals will demonstrate their skills in forehand volley, backhand volley, forehand ground stroke, backhand ground stroke, serve deuce court, serve advantage court and alternating ground strokes.
Event details
All times listed below are tentative and subject to change once event specific schedules are determined. For a final schedule please check the Supporting Documents section close to competition day.
- Saturday, August 14th, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Spectators
Spectators are allowed to attend the State Tennis Tournament if they sign the COVID Code of Conduct Form. Spectators are encouraged to complete the form on-line using this link: https://www.soill.org/event-spectators/ Spectator access to the facility will be monitored to ensure all spectators have signed the COVID Code of Conduct. Those unwilling to sign the form will not be granted access to the facility.
Opening Ceremony
Special Olympics Illinois will hold an Opening Ceremony as part of the Olympic tradition at 8:00 a.m. at Evergreen Racquet Club. Regions will be asked to line up along the sidewalk for the parade of athletes. The Torch Run will also march in for the grand lighting of the cauldron.
Souvenirs
Souvenirs are available by pre-order only. Please click the button below to submit your order.
Orders will be available for pick-up at the tournament. If you are unable to pick-up your items at the event then you can pay to have them shipped to you. Souvenir items are offered by Minerva Promotions and a percentage of sales are given to Special Olympics Illinois.
Families
The Family Registration and Information area will be open on Saturday from 8:00am until noon. Please encourage family members to visit the Family Registration and Information area and register if they are new to the Special Olympics Illinois families program or just check-in to let us know they are here. Family members can meet and visit with other families and receive information on what is new at Special Olympics Illinois. Most of all, they can have fun, relax and watch their athletes have a great experience.
Text Alerts & Event Status Updates
In case of inclement weather, schedule changes or cancellations check the website here for updates. Please sign up for the text alert. This alert will send you any last minute changes in the State Tennis schedule. For text alerts during State Tennis please text Evergreen to 844-393-0980.
Supporting Documents
- State Tennis Event Handbook Memo
- 2021 State Tennis Event Handbook
- 2021 State Tennis Coach Proof
- 2021 State Tennis Schedule
- 2021 State Tennis Schedule Memo
- 2021 State Tennis Divisions
For lodging information in the Bloomington/Normal area please visit: http://www.visitbn.org/visit/listings/accommodations/
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.
Results
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.
COVID 19 Information
Fully vaccinated participants do not need to wear masks, but may choose to still do so.
Participants not fully vaccinated, but who are medically able should continue to wear a mask the majority of the time while at Special Olympics Illinois activities. Special Olympics Illinois will not be providing masks. Athletes and coaches must bring their own.
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:
https://www.soill.org/wp-content/uploads/2-High-Risk-Fact-Sheet-7.9.20.pdf