Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world. Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and over 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them 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.

Special Olympics began in Illinois with the first games at Soldier Field in July 1968 thanks to the efforts of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her peers. There are now more than 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries. Special Olympics is financially sound with diverse revenue streams, a thorough annual budget process and increasing organizational revenue streams. Special Olympics Illinois does not charge athletes or their families to participate in the program.

OUR MISSION
Provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

OUR VISION
Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) will 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.

ATHLETE OATH
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Charity

Health Care

Sports

Special Olympics Illinois

Teresa Crudele

Bree Bogucki

Cindy Villafuerte

Dan P Conley

Carolyn Cronin

Taylor Combs

Valerie I. Michalik Mba, Cfre

Peter Beale-Delvecchio

Gabrielle Grieco

Lora Schoenholtz

The Athlete Support team at Special Olympics Illinois is dedicated to empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities through personalized guidance and resources. This team focuses on providing essential training, promoting leadership development, and fostering community engagement to enhance athletes' experiences in sports and beyond. By facilitating opportunities for athletes to express their voices and share their journeys, the Athlete Support team plays a crucial role in building confidence, camaraderie, and belonging within the Special Olympics community.

Athlete Support

Sports Management and Coaching

Administrative and Support Services

Athlete Support

About

Team members

Other teams at Special Olympics Illinois

Sports Management and Coaching

Administrative and Support Services