Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games 2024

Summer Games is one of 13 state sports competitions. It is the championship-level competition for athletics, bocce, Unified bocce, powerlifting, soccer, swimming, artistic gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics. In addition, the Young Athletes programming for kids ages 2-7 years old.

Summer Games is a three-day event held June 7-9 2024 in Bloomington-Normal. Summer Games includes more than 3,000 athletes, 1,000 coaches, and approximately 43 Unified partners.

Additional activities include Opening Ceremony featuring the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg; a variety of Healthy Athlete initiatives; Families registration and activity opportunities, Olympic Town with a variety of interactive activities; souvenir sales; and a Victory Dance held in Uptown Normal.

 

Illinois State University has been the primary host venue since 1977 and, as the event has grown, additional venues include Kingsley Junior High School, Normal Community High School and Grossinger Motors Arena.

 

Athletics and swimming became official Special Olympics Illinois sports in 1968, artistic gymnastics in 1975, soccer in 1977, powerlifting in 1986, rhythmic gymnastics in 1996, bocce in 1997 and Unified bocce in 2002.

 

Spectators are encouraged to attend this premiere state tournament to cheer on these extraordinary athletes.

 

Competition Information

Competition will be offered in athletics, bocce, Unified bocce, gymnastics, soccer, powerlifting and swimming. Athletes cannot participate in more than one sport. Athletes registered in bocce may only compete in traditional bocce or Unified bocce (not both) and athletes registered for gymnastics may only compete in artistic or rhythmic (not both).

All times listed below are tentative and subject to change once event specific schedules are determined. Times only reflect actual competition times and do not include time frames for coach meetings, weigh-in times, etc. For a final schedule, please check the supporting documents section below.

 

Competition Schedule:

Artistic Gymnastics

• Friday, 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Athletics

• Friday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bocce

• Friday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Powerlifting

Friday, afternoon athlete weigh-ins

Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 

Rhythmic Gymnastics

• Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Soccer

• Friday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Swimming

• Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Young Athletes Statewide Culminating Event
This free event takes place on Friday, June 7 at Hancock Stadium and is open to all Young Athletes ages 2-7 years with and without intellectual disability. Register by Friday, May 31 here.

Registration and Lunch

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Young Athletes Statewide Culminating Event

• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Pizza Party

• 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Facility Information

Illinois State University (ISU) is the host for athletics, bocce and soccer. Normal Community High School is the host for rhythmic gymnastics and swimming. Kingsley Junior High School hosts powerlifting. Grossinger Motors Arena hosts artistic gymnastics.

New Artistic Gymnastics Venue Memo

2024 Gymnastics FAQ Grossinger Arena

• Kingsley Junior High
  • Powerlifting
• ISU Intramural Fields
  • Soccer

• Grossinger Motors Arena
  • Artistic gymnastics

• Illinois State University
  • Bocce (ISU Adelaide Street Field)
  • Softball throw (ISU Practice Dome)
  • Tennis Ball Throw and Mini Javelin (ISU Hancock Stadium)
  • Standing Long Jump (ISU Practice Dome)
  • Track events (ISU Track)
  • Tournament Central (ISU Horton Field House)
• Normal Community High School
  • Rhythmic Gymnastics
  • Swimming
• Redbird Arena
  • Healthy Athletes

Parking

Everyone must obey parking regulations since summer school will be in session at ISU and employees will be reporting to work. Approved parking lots are shown below:

• No parking in lots designated for faculty and staff (identified by red signs) except for Lots M83, U83 and F83S.
• No parking in spaces marked “Reserved.”
• Car parking will be allowed in Lots F62, F64, G24, G53, G73, G81, G83, G86, G87, G91, and S67.
• If you park at a meter, you must feed it.
• Cars parked in lots not approved for Special Olympics Illinois may be ticketed. Tickets will be the responsibility of the owner. Be aware that ISU may tow illegally parked cars.
• Parking will also be available at Chiddix Junior High School, Normal Community High School and the ISU intramural soccer fields.
• Special Olympics Illinois will operate a park and ride shuttle from Fairview Aquatics Park, 800 N. Main Street in Normal.
  • Hours of operation: 
    Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Healthy Athletes

The Healthy Athletes program offers health services, screening and information to athletes, families and coaches in need. Participants are encouraged to attend this Free event located in Redbird Area on the lower level concourse.

Entrance

• Please enter Redbird Arena from the northeastern descending ramp into the lower concourse of the arena. The ramp is located off the Turner parking lot (Olympic Town).

Special Smiles 

• Friday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• The Special Smiles discipline of Healthy Athletes provides comprehensive oral health care information, including free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques.

Healthy Hearing

• Friday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• The Healthy Hearing program provides free ear and hearing screenings designed to ensure proper audiology care for athletes.

Opening Eyes

• Friday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• The Opening Eyes program is a vision and eye health screening in partnership with the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Led by volunteer vision care professionals, Opening Eyes offers prescription eyewear, sunglasses and sports goggles to athletes.

Hydration Station

• Friday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Our Healthy Habit Hydration Station will be located at the top of the Redbird Ramp. Stop by to refill your water, get an electrolyte mix-in and learn some tips on how to best stay hydrated for competition and summer weather.

Fun Fitness

• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• The Fun Fitness discipline of Healthy Athletes provides free screenings to measure athletes’ flexibility, strength, balance and aerobic fitness.

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 8:00 PM on Friday, June 7, at Hancock Stadium and will include the Parade of Athletes, National Anthem, Athlete Oath and lighting of the Flame of Hope.

• Athletes and coaches should wear uniforms.
• There will not be a fireworks display this year.
• At 7:00 PM on Friday, agencies can begin assembling in Hancock Stadium. Seating will be assigned by region in the stands. No seating on the turf is allowed. Volunteers will be in the seating areas with region signs to help guide you to your seats. Wheelchairs and escorts will be seated in the east bleachers in the handicap accessible seating.
• Please see the flyer in the coach’s packet for specific information about athletes participating in the parade and their assigned seating in the stands. It will be limited to FOUR total participants. Volunteers will assist agencies with the staging arrangements.
• BRING YOUR RALLY TOWELS FROM LAST YEAR FOR SOME FUN CROWD INTERACTION WITH THE SPIRIT SQUAD!

Souvenirs

Minerva Promotions is selling souvenirs at ISU in the North Gym from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on both Friday and Saturday. If you want anything customized then you must pre-order. No customization will be done on-site at the event. June 3 is the pre-order deadline. If you order by June 3, then you can have a name printed on the back of the shirt for FREE! Cash and most major credit cards are accepted. CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. A percentage of sales are given to Special Olympics Illinois.

You can save time and pre-order items and pick them up on site. Pre-order deadline is June 3. Click here to connect to Summer Games merchandise options.

 

Special Olympics Illinois will also offer Law Enforcement Torch Run and Respect merchandise and sale items at the North Gym venue. The Special Olympics Illinois merchandise area will have a separate line and items must be paid for separately from Minerva merchandise. Special Olympics Illinois accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express.

 

$5 mystery bags will be for sale in the North Gym location. Each bag contains at least $20 of merchandise. Bags are offered by size.

Families

Families play a vital role in the framework of Special Olympics Illinois and the Summer Games. These dedicated supporters can be found cheering in the stands, offering encouragement from the sidelines, and contributing as members of the games committee and coaches. Regardless of your involvement, families are embraced and honored for their unwavering support and enthusiasm for the athletes and Special Olympics Illinois.

For families attending the Summer Games, your first destination should be the Families registration and information area, conveniently situated at either ISU (Friday and Saturday), Grossinger Arena (Friday) or Normal Community High School (Saturday). Here, you can collect your games guide and complimentary Families Tailgate Picnic tickets. Additionally, there’s a host of other attractions, including the Fan Zone and a chance to win fantastic Special Olympics Illinois merchandise in a free raffle, event flyers, and essential information to ensure you make the most of your Summer Games experience.

The Family Tailgate Picnic, generously sponsored by Alexander’s Steakhouse, will be held on Saturday on the south lawn of Horton Field House at ISU. This wonderful event is exclusively for families attending the Summer Games as spectators. Free tickets are required and can be obtained from the Family Registration areas at ISU Horton Field House, Grossinger Arena (Friday), and Normal Community High School (Saturday). Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to secure yours promptly. You’ll find the Families registration and information area in the lower northwest corner of ISU Horton Field House, Grossinger Arena and at Normal Community High School.

Family Registration & Fan Zone Areas

Horton Field House

• Friday, June 7 from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Saturday, June 8 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Grossinger Arena

• Friday, June 7 from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Normal Community High School

• Saturday, June 8 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Family Tailgate Picnic

• Saturday, June 8 10:30 AM-2:00 PM or until we run out of food.
• Outside of South Entrance of Horton Fieldhouse

Olympic Town

Open at ISU’s Turner Hall parking lot on Saturday, June 8 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Olympic Town will consist of family-friendly activities such as carnival games, dunk tank, live entertainment, dance party and more! Be sure to stop by!

Victory Dance

The Victory Dance will be held in Uptown Normal from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM on Saturday. The dance gives athletes a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and to socialize with others from around the state in addition to members of the community. Old friends will catch up and new friends will be made. The smiles and joy of the athletes are a testament to how Special Olympics Illinois helps transform lives.

Other Activities

• Hospitality Area
• Law Enforcement Torch Run – Torch Run Central will serve as a resource center during this year’s events and will coordinate all law enforcement activities including awarding medals. The tent is located in Olympic Town and is open from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturday.
• Olympic Town – Located on the Turner Hall parking lot, Olympic Town provides numerous activities, displays, entertainment, athlete vendor tables and more. It is open from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturday.
• Special Activities – Several other opportunities are underway, including potentially the Fairview Park Pool & Waterslide and Miller Park Zoo. Check back closer to Summer Games and look for flyers in your registration packet.

Concessions

Identified meals are provided for athletes, Unified partners and coaches registered to stay in provided housing. ISU and Normal Community High School will offer concession sales for spectators.

Awards

Awards will be given when each division is complete.

Text Alerts and Event Status Updates

Please sign up for the text alert system. This alert system will send you any last minute changes to the Summer Games schedule, reminders for upcoming events, and other pertinent event information.

To register, please text Summer to 844-393-0980.