Normal, Ill.–Special Olympics Illinois athletes will pack volleyballs, tennis rackets and their costumes and masks as they head to Rockford for the annual Fall Games on October 30 and 31. This is one of seven state Special Olympics state tournaments and includes competition in volleyball and tennis.
More than 400 athletes will compete in volleyball at Harlem High School on Saturday (10am-4pm) and Sunday (8am-2pm) – including 17 teams and 35 athletes who will compete in individual skills competition. Four of the volleyball teams are Unifed teams which include players with and without intellectual disabilities competing against other Unified teams.
At Forest City Tennis Center (formerly Clock Tower Racquet Club), nearly 100 athletes will compete in singles, doubles and Unified doubles competition on Saturday (8:15am-5pm) and Sunday (8:15am-12:30pm).
The Opening Ceremonies and dance will take place on Saturday night from 6:30-8:30pm at Harlem High School. Athletes are sure to let loose on the dance floor in a colorful array of Halloween costumes.
About Special Olympics Illinois:
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 4,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics promotes acceptance for all and changes lives by empowering people with intellectual disabilities 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. If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org.