Students who are 8 years old and older qualify to play in the Special Olympics. Joining the Special Olympics is a great opportunity for children to work on furthering their physical skills, ability to follow directions, and improve upon their social skills. Below is a list of Special Olympic sports that occur throughout the school year!

Basketball

The Special Olympics Basketball season takes place in the winter months. The team practices once a week, plays other teams in games, works on individual skills, and participates in a tournament at the end of the season. If the team receives a gold, they are eligible to go downstate to Illinois State University in March. Going downstate gives students the opportunity to practice more life skills, travel as a team, and stay in a hotel.

Track and Field

The Special Olympics Track and Field season takes place in the spring months. The team practices once a week, working on long jump, throwing, running, wheelchair races, and relay races. At the end of the season, each student competes at a tournament. If participants earn a gold medal, they qualify to go to the summer tournament downstate at Illinois State University and will stay in the dorms.

Soccer

The Special Olympics Soccer season takes place in the winter and spring months. The team practices once a week,  working on individual skills and preparing for games against other teams. In April students compete in a placement tournament. If they obtain a gold medal they will go downstate to Illinois State University over the summer and stay in the dorms.