NORMAL, ILLINOIS (June 3, 2024) — Join us for the largest Special Olympics Illinois sporting event of the year, the 2024 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, taking place from June 7-9, 2024, in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. This extraordinary event brings together thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families for a full weekend of celebration, competition, and community.
“As we gear up for the 2024 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, we’re anticipating the culmination of state-level competition across seven sports,” says Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President & CEO, Special Olympics Illinois. “From the electric atmosphere of the Opening Ceremony at Hancock Stadium to the celebration of achievements at the Victory Dance, this event embodies inclusion, athleticism, and highlights the true spirit of our community.
He continues, “with the support of our sponsors and dedication of more than 15,000 participants and attendees, Special Olympics Illinois is proud to host this exciting event in Bloomington-Normal to promote our mission for individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
Special Olympics Illinois provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as in health education and personal development. Special Olympics Illinois strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated together in the community.
Event Highlights
- State-Level Competitions: Special Olympics Illinois athletes will compete at the state level in seven sports, including athletics, bocce (traditional and Unified), powerlifting, soccer, swimming, artistic gymnastics, and rhythmic gymnastics.
- Opening Ceremony: The celebration kicks off on Friday evening at 8PM at Hancock Stadium with the Parade of Athletes, the Athlete Oath, and the lighting of the Flame of Hope. The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run will deliver the Flame of Hope to signify the start of the Summer Games.
- Olympic Town: On Saturday, 9AM-2PM, enjoy family-friendly activities, vendor booths, and entertainment, enhancing the festive and community atmosphere to the Summer Games.
- Unified Bags Exhibition: Discover the inclusive sport of Unified Bags at Horton Fieldhouse on Saturday, 9AM-2PM, where you can try your hand at this emerging sport.
- Victory Dance: On Saturday evening in Uptown Normal, athletes will celebrate their accomplishments, be in community with other athletes, and socialize with others from around the state.
Community Impact
The Summer Games significantly contributes to the Bloomington-Normal community, attracting more than 15,000 participants, including more than 3,500 athletes and Unified partners, 1,250 coaches, 1,200 volunteers, and 10,000 families and friends. This influx boosts the local economy while promoting inclusion.
Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run
Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois having raised over $4.5 million in 2023. The Torch Run is an annual interstate relay covering more than 1,500 miles across Illinois, culminating at the Opening Ceremony where officers bring the Flame of Hope to Hancock Stadium. Participating in the relay around Hancock Stadium will include O’Fallon Police Department, Geneva Police Department, Region H Illinois State Police Department, and West Chicago Police Department.
In total, throughout the weekend there will be more than 100 law enforcement officers present, led by the top fundraising team from Tinley Park Police Department.
Healthy Athletes
Since 1997, the Healthy Athletes program has provided free health screenings and education to Special Olympics Illinois athletes. During Summer Games, screenings and exams will be offered to Special Olympics Illinois athletes at CEFCU (Redbird) Arena on Friday, 12-4PM, and Saturday, 9AM-4PM, promoting overall well-being and offering valuable training to clinicians.
Get Involved
- Media is encouraged to attend. Interview opportunities available with Special Olympics Illinois athletes, staff, coaches, and volunteers. Please RSVP to Lora Schoenholtz or 312.771.2180.
- Tag Special Olympics Illinois on social media and use the official hashtag: #SOILLSummerGames
Facebook/Instagram/TikTok: @specialolympicsillinois
X: @SO_Illinois
For more information and for a full listing of events visit the Summer Games event page or go to www.soill.org.
Thank You Sponsors
Statewide Sponsors: Action Truck Parts, Amazon, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, The Brinson Foundation, Chicago Federation of Labor, Coca-Cola, The Duchossois Family Foundation, Dunkin’, Gallagher, Hyatt, Illinois Lottery, Interior Investments, Jewel-Osco, Knights of Columbus, Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois, RSM US Foundation, School Health, Sloan, United Airlines
Gold Sponsors: Club Carwash, School Health
Bronze Sponsors: American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Visit BN, Normal Firefighters Local #2442
Venue Sponsors: Alexander’s Steakhouse, Avanti’s Italian Restaurants, DentaQuest, Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Town of Normal, Uptown Normal
Media Sponsors: Lamar, Pantagraph, Radio Bloomington, WMBD-TV, WYZZ-TV
About Special Olympics Illinois
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in eighteen sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development.
If you are interested in being a part of Special Olympics Illinois and its vision, contact your local region, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org. Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.
