State Sports Events

Special Olympics Illinois athletes have the opportunity to train and compete year round in 19 sports. Competition begins at the local and Area level. Individuals and teams can then participate in a qualifying event to be eligible to advance to state level competition. These qualifiers include district and sectional events. Gold medal winners can then advance to state level competition.

State level competition is held for all 19 sports offered in Illinois.  Multiple sports are generally grouped together to provide a sports festival experience.  Along with competition, state events may include a dinner, dance and other social or sports activities.  The seven state competitions are as follows:

• Winter Games
• State Basketball
• Summer Games
• Outdoor Sports Festival
• Fall Games
• State Floor Hockey
• State Bowling

Extend your trip to state tournaments and experience more of Illinois. Visit the Illinois Bureau of Tourism website for great ideas.